Local Man Charged in Connection with Meth Investigation

Aly Delp

Aly Delp

Published March 24, 2018 4:40 am
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CLARION, Pa. (EYT) – A St. Petersburg man is facing felony charges in connection with a methamphetamine investigation conducted by CNET (Clarion County Narcotics Enforcement Team).

According to court documents, CNET filed charges against 24-year-old Brendan Edward Golden, of St. Petersburg.

A recent investigation into the alleged manufacturing of methamphetamine led CNET to another arrest.

According to a criminal complaint, around 4:34 p.m. on January 25, 2018, a CNET officer was contacted by Clarion County Probation Officer Kerle to report that Victoria Newbill (pictured below) had just bought Sudafed at a pharmacy in Clarion Borough. Sudafed is a known component used in manufacturing methamphetamine using the “one-pot” method.

Newbill then went with Brendan Golden to the Clarion Walmart at 4:45 p.m. in a yellow Dodge Neon — known to the officer to be operated regularly by Newbill.Victoria Newbill x The vehicle was parked, and Newbill and the other known individual entered through the Lawn and Garden entrance.

Newbill and Golden approached the Lawn and Garden checkout at 4:51 p.m. where Newbill purchased Liquid Lightning Drain Opener, 32 fl. oz. of virgin Sulfuric Acid with Buffer, which is another known component in manufacturing methamphetamine using the “one-pot” method.

The individuals exited the store and went back to the car. Golden then returned to the store, and at 4:56 p.m., purchased a four-pack of AA Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries, a third known component used in the manufacture of methamphetamine using the “one-pot” method. Golden then exited the store and got back into the car with Newbill, the complaint states.

The CNET officer obtained photographs, video footage, and receipts of the purchases from a Walmart Loss Prevention Officer.

In an interview with state police on January 30, Newbill stated that on January 25, she and Golden gathered drain cleaner, Sudafed, and lithium batteries requested by Wendy Fross (pictured below) and took them to Fross to “cook.” Newbill gave an address on Lincoln Lane in Bruin as the location where she and Golden took the items for Fross to cook.Wendy Fross x

She said she and Golden stayed at the Lincoln Lane residence while Fross manufactured the methamphetamine, and that she took her share after it was completed and then went to work, according to the complaint.

Based on the investigation, Golden was arraigned at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 23, in Magisterial District Judge Duane L. Quinn’s office on the following charges:

– Conspiracy — Manufacture, Delivery, or Possession With Intent to Manufacture or Deliver, Felony
– Possessing Phenylpropanolamine, etc., or a Precursor Substance with Intent to Unlawfully Manufacture, Felony
– Knowingly Possessing Ephedrine, Misdemeanor

Unable to post $25,000.00 cash bail, he was lodged in the Clarion County Jail.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 3, with Judge Quinn presiding.

Victoria Newbill and Wendy Fross are currently lodged in the Clarion County Jail on $30,000.00 bail each.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Fross at 10:15 a.m. on March 27 in Judge Quinn’s office on the following charges:

– Conspiracy — Manufacture, Delivery, or Possession With Intent to Manufacture or Deliver, Felony
– Possessing phenylpropanolamine, etc., or a Precursor Substance with Intent to Unlawfully Manufacture, Felony
– Knowingly Possessing Ephedrine, Misdemeanor
– Criminal Use Of Communication Facility, Felony 3

A preliminary hearing is set for Newbill at 8:30 a.m. on April 10 in Judge Quinn’s office on the following charges:

– Conspiracy — Manufacture, Delivery, or Possession With Intent to Manufacture or Deliver, Felony
– Possessing phenylpropanolamine, etc., or a Precursor Substance with Intent to Unlawfully Manufacture, Felony
– Knowingly Possessing Ephedrine, Misdemeanor
– Criminal Use Of Communication Facility, Felony 3
– Obstruct Admin Law/Other Govt Func, Misdemeanor 2

Related Story:

Two Area Women Jailed on Meth Charges Following CNET Investigation

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