MONROE TWP., Pa. (EYT) — A man is behind bars following an investigation into the trafficking of crystal methamphetamine from South Carolina to Clarion.
According to court documents, CNET (Clarion Narcotics Enforcement Team) filed criminal charges against 21-year-old Mario Andres Marquez, of Aiken, South Carolina, in Magisterial District Judge Timothy P. Schill.
The charges stem from a joint criminal drug investigation by CNET and Troop C Vice Unit into Mario A. Marquez for approximately the past month. It is alleged that Marquez had been trafficking crystal methamphetamine in the Clarion area. Marquez is a resident of South Carolina and was staying locally in an apartment in Robinwood Drive, Clarion.
Marquez is currently lodged in the Clarion County Jail.
April 22, 2019 Controlled Drug Delivery
According to a criminal complaint filed on April 29 by William Peck IV and a member of Troop C Vice Unit, a controlled drug delivery was conducted which involved Marquez conspiring with a known 29-year-old Clarion woman to deliver approximately two grams of crystal methamphetamine in exchange for U.S. currency.
On April 22, CNET members and Troop C Vice Unit members followed Marquez and the 29-year-old woman from the Robinwood Drive address to the Clarion Walmart store in Monroe Township. They were operating a white Dodge Challenger with a South Carolina dealer tag license plate.
It was noted that both Marquez and the known woman’s driving privileges are suspended in the state of South Carolina.
At 4:30 p.m., authorities took Marquez into custody as he exited the Clarion Walmart store. He was placed on the ground, handcuffed, and searched.
He was in possession of a loaded Taurus Spectrum 380 caliber handgun and $490.00 in U.S. currency, the complaint states.
The known woman and a minor infant child were with Marquez at the time of his arrest, and the known woman was detained. All three individuals were transported to the PA State Police barracks in Clarion.
A search of the Dodge Challenger was conducted, and a methamphetamine pipe was seized and seven rounds of 9mm ammunition, the complaint states.
A check of the VIN# of the Dodge Challenger was run through NCIC indicated that the vehicle was stolen from a dealership in Anderson, South Carolina.
Marquez was read his rights, and he agreed to an interview which was video and audio recorded.
He allegedly admitted that he would bring meth back from South Carolina and that he sold 1 1/2 eight balls of methamphetamine on that day to a known person for $180.00 to $200.00 of U.S currency.
The known woman provided written consent to search her apartment on Robinwood Drive and the following items were seized:
– Two ziplock baggies containing crystal methamphetamine
– Digital scale
– Glass smoking pipe
– Red lock box containing crystal methamphetamine, ceramic pipe, and packaging material.
Based on Marquez’ criminal history, he is prohibited from possessing or acquiring a firearm or ammunition.
He was arraigned at 11:00 a.m. on April 29 on the following charges:
– Manufacture, Delivery, or Possession With Intent to Manufacture or Deliver, Felony
– Conspiracy — Manufacture, Delivery, or Possession With Intent to Manufacture or Deliver, Felony
– Intentional Possession Controlled Substance By Person Not Registered, Misdemeanor
– Use/Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia, Misdemeanor
– Receiving Stolen Property, Felony 3
– Possession Of Firearm Prohibited, Felony 2
– Firearms Not To Be Carried W/O License, Felony 3
– Driving While Operator Privileges Suspended Or Revoked, Summary
– Driving W/O A License, Summary
– Driving Unregistered Vehicle, Summary
– Operating Vehicle W/O Required Financial Responsibility, Summary
– Alteration or Destruction of Vehicle Identification Number, Felony 3
– Possession Of Weapon, Misdemeanor 1
Marquez’ bail was set at $25,000.00 monetary.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 2:15 p.m. on May 14 with Judge Schill presiding.
Additional Drug Charges Filed Against Marquez
Marquez also faces charges from a March 29, 2019 incident that occurred in Clarion Borough.
He was arraigned at 6:45 p.m. on April 22 in Magisterial District Judge Duane L. Quinn’s office on the following charges:
– Manufacture, Delivery, or Possession With Intent to Manufacture or Deliver, Felony (two counts)
– Intentional Possession Controlled Substance By Person Not Registered, Misdemeanor
– Corruption of Minors, Misdemeanor 1
Marquez’ bail was set at $75,000.00 monetary.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on May 7 with Judge Quinn presiding.
