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A Pittston man arrested in Scranton for drug-related offenses repeatedly advertised the sale of marijuana on a social media platform, police said in charging documents.
Investigators from the Scranton Police Street Crimes Unit and the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office were actively monitoring social media and ultimately used an “undercover social media account” to make contact Wednesday with Sir Anthony Johnson, 42, 273 Parsonage St., who attempted to video call the investigators posing as prospective drug-buyers.
While Johnson’s call went unanswered, an undercover investigator returned it and arranged to meet him at North Main Avenue and Market Street to buy an unspecified amount of marijuana, charging documents note.
Authorities set up surveillance in the area at about 8:25 p.m. and observed a black Chevrolet Equinox parked in the 100 block of West Market Street. Investigators saw Johnson in the same vehicle earlier that day, police said.
When their communication with Johnson resumed he told an undercover officer to meet him at a nearby business.
“When investigators approached and ordered him to place his hands behind his back, Johnson refused to comply,” according to an affidavit of probable cause. “He continued resisting as investigators attempted to restrain him, tensing his arms to prevent them from gaining control. After being pulled to the ground, Johnson finally complied and was placed in double-locked handcuffs.”
Police searched Johnson and recovered five plastic bags containing a total of about 17.5 grams of marijuana, as well as an iPhone used to arrange the drug sale and $20 in cash.
“In frustration, Johnson admitted that he had suspected he was video calling a police officer,” the affidavit notes.
Investigators also observed several small buds of marijuana on the Equinox’s front passenger-side floor. Johnson did not give consent to search the vehicle, which was secured and towed to an indoor facility.
Johnson faces three felony counts: criminal use of a communications facility, criminal attempt and possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance. He also faces a pair of misdemeanor counts for possessing a small amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, respectively.
Arraigned Thursday, Johnson remains in prison in lieu of $20,000 bail and awaits a preliminary hearing Oct. 10.
”}]] A Pittston man arrested in Scranton for drug-related offenses repeatedly advertised the sale of marijuana on a social media platform, police said in charging documents. Read More