On December 28, three men were arrested in York County, PA after being stopped by authorities as they drove from California to a home in West Manheim Township in two pickup trucks for the purpose of delivering drugs. According to news reports, those arrested include Tyler Long, Ryan Falsone, and Christopher Heath, a California sheriff’s deputy.
The three men were stopped in the Hanover area, not a routine traffic stop. According to York County District Attorney Tom Kearney, police had been operating on intelligence they had received, and were prepared to make the stop. They knew prior who they were going to stop, and the reason for the stop – $2 million in marijuana the men were transporting for delivery. News reports indicate police seized 247 pounds of marijuana during the traffic stop.
Upon his arrest, 37-year-old Heath of Bangor was in possession of his service weapon and badge. Heath, along with Falsone and Long have been charged with possession with intent to deliver marijuana, delivery of marijuana, and criminal conspiracy to deliver marijuana. Each of the three posted a $1 million bail.
Authorities also reportedly recovered $11,000 in cash in addition to the marijuana. Kearney stated the three men would likely face federal charges considering the drug was transported across state lines, although no federal charges had been filed at the time of news reports.
Delivering drugs is a very serious offense, regardless of what state a person is arrested in. Transporting marijuana or other illegal drugs across state lines for the purpose of distributing will leave those convicted facing life-changing consequences.
In Michigan, those who are found guilty of possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, distribute, or manufacture will face serious criminal penalties that vary depending on the amount of drug involved and other factors. For instance, delivery of more than 45 kilograms or 200 marijuana plants will result in fines of up to $10 million and/or up to 15 years in jail. A conviction will impact a person’s career, reputation, literally every aspect of his or her life.
If you have been arrested for any offense whether simple possession, possession with intent to deliver, manufacturing, trafficking, or maintaining a meth lab, the importance of working with a skilled Michigan drug crimes lawyer cannot be stressed enough. There are various legal options available, and you may be eligible for a drug diversion program. It is critical to your freedom and future that you consult with an experienced defense attorney.