FRANKLIN, Pa. (EYT) – Police have filed charges against an Oil City man accused of distributing the heroin responsible for three recent overdoses in Venango County.
Joseph Vearnon, 50, of Oil City, is facing the following charges:
- Conspiracy — Criminal Use Of Communication, Felony 3 (3 counts)
- Criminal Use Of Communication Facility, Felony 3 (3 counts)
- Manufacture, Delivery, or Possession Manufacture or Deliver, Felony (3 counts)
- Intentional Possession Controlled Substance By Person Not Registered, Misdemeanor (3 counts)
- Use/Poss Of Drug Paraphernalia, Misdemeanor (3 counts)
A criminal complaint filed by Oil City Police Chief Robert Wenner says the charges were filed following an investigation into the ongoing delivery of heroin in Venango County, specifically Franklin and Oil City.
During the course of the investigation, it was discovered that Vearnon allegedly delivered heroin on three occasions that resulted in overdoses — twice in Franklin and once in Oil City.
The persons who overdosed required medical attention in order to reverse the effects of the heroin. It has been confirmed that Narcan was used to revive at least one of the persons.
The criminal complaint states that interviews were conducted with various persons involved in the distribution of the heroin. Each of the interviewees identified Vearnon as the man who delivered heroin to Diana Wilson, who in turn delivered it to the persons who overdosed.
Wilson is also facing various charges in connection with the case.
Vearnon was placed in the Venango County Jail in lieu of $200,000 cash bail.
He faces a preliminary hearing on June 29 before District Judge Andrew F. Fish.
The investigation was conducted in conjunction with Franklin Police Department Officer Barnhill.
