MOUNT CARMEL - A third person has been charged with drug offenses in connection with a husband and wife accused of distributing synthetic marijuana.
Robert J. Hertzog Jr., 21, of 147 Merriam St., Mount Carmel, was arraigned Wednesday on charges related to the alleged drug selling operation of Angel Luis Lopez, 26, and Bobbijo Lopez, 36, both of 148 W. Avenue. A search of their residence uncovered 8.6 grams of "spice," or synthetic marijuana, and they were charged March 7.
The charges against Hertzog, filed by Mount Carmel Borough Police Chief Todd Owens and Patrolman Matthew Dillman, allege Hertzog purchased five grams of spice for $50 from a confidential informant at the Lopezes' home, also on March 7.
Hertzog was charged with felony counts of criminal conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance, criminal conspiracy with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communication facility, delivery of a controlled substance, and possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, and misdemeanor counts of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
He was placed in Snyder County Prison on $30,000 bail. A preliminary hearing on the charges is scheduled for Wednesday. Preliminary hearings for the Lopezes, originally scheduled for March 11, were rescheduled for the Wednesday as well.
The March 7 arrest of the Lopezes was the second time in four months the couple has been charged related to drug offenses.
Police were told of a high volume of foot traffic and vehicle traffic to their home, according to a search warrant. The visitors would spend little time there, raising suspicion.
