PINEY TWP., Pa. (EYT) — A Shippenville man is facing drug charges after over four pounds of marijuana were found left behind after he was evicted from a Piney Township residence.
Court documents indicate criminal charges were filed on July 3 against 56-year-old James Gregory Cooper, of Shippenville.
According to a criminal complaint, around 6:41 p.m. on Friday, June 28, Trooper Jarett and Corporal Yockey, of the Clarion-based State Police, interviewed a known female at a residence on Curlsville Road, Piney Township, Clarion County.
According to the complaint, the woman, who had just started to rent the residence, had come across a few totes in the rear of the residence that had a strange substance in them which she suspected to be marijuana. She then left the residence and did not touch the totes. She also noted there were several documents in the same area. When she returned, she brought the landlord along.
The complaint notes the landlord, a known male, stated that the previous person to rent the residence was James Cooper, and he believed Cooper had left the items behind. The known female then contacted the state police to investigate.
Officers were able to identify the substance as marijuana. The totes and documents were seized as evidence and transported for further examination.
The complaint notes the total amount of processed marijuana was found to be approximately four pounds, and numerous plastic baggies and paper envelopes of marijuana seeds were also seized, along with bags and a tote of what appeared to be tobacco leaves. Along with the other items, police also found a copy of an old search warrant, dated June 3, 2011, involving James Gregory Cooper.
Trooper Needham, of the Punxsutawney-based State Police, assisted Chief William Peck and another officer on July 3 in serving a warrant at a residence on Mechanicsville Road where James Cooper was present. Cooper was then interviewed by Chief Peck regarding the items found.
According to the complaint, during the interview, Cooper said he had rented the mobile home until he and the landlord got into a disagreement over a bill, and the landlord evicted him and went on to admit the marijuana “shake,” tobacco, and marijuana seeds left behind belonged to him.
The following charges were filed against Cooper through Magisterial District Judge Jeffrey C. Miller’s office on Wednesday, July 3:
– Manufacture, Delivery, or Possession With Intent to Manufacture or Deliver, Felony
– Possession of Controlled Substance, Misdemeanor
– Use/Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia, Misdemeanor
A preliminary arraignment is scheduled for Tuesday, July 9, at 3:00 p.m. with Judge Miller presiding.
