MONROE TWP., Pa. (EYT) — A suspected shoplifting incident at Walmart in Monroe Township led to the discovery of a mobile methamphetamine lab and four felony drug charges being filed against a 22-year-old woman.
According to a criminal complaint filed on Monday, Clarion-based State Police Troopers Huffman and Graf responded to a retail theft call at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 7, at Walmart. When they arrived, store employees stated that the individuals involved in the theft had fled in a silver Pontiac Vibe.
After a search of the area, the Vibe was located in the parking lot of the Clarion Mall.
The accused, 22-year-old Ashley Elizabeth Slocum, of Erie, was in the driver’s seat of the Vibe. Tpr. Graf received permission to search the vehicle after Slocum said she and her associate — 32-year-old Keith Allan McNaughton of Parker — were at Walmart when he ran from the scene.
Tpr. Graf then located numerous item of drug paraphernalia, including needles, spoons, drug residue, and a mobile methamphetamine lab, according to the criminal complaint.
According to online court documents, Slocum is facing the following charges:
- Conspiracy — Manufacture, Delivery or Possession with Intent to Manufacture or Deliver, Felony
- Manufacture, Delivery or Possession with Intent to Manufacture or Deliver, Felony
- Possession of Red Phosphorous, etc. with Intent to Manufacture a Controlled Substance, Felony
- Intentional Possession of a Controlled Substance by a Person Not Registered, Felony
Unable to post $25,000.00 monetary bail, Slocum was lodged in the Clarion County Jail.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18.
McNaughton is facing two misdemeanor charges related to the retail theft incident.
He is awaiting a preliminary hearing.
