Anthony J. Kilker
SHENANDOAH - A 31-year-old Tremont man charged with having guns and drugs in his possession during a traffic stop in Mahanoy City on Feb. 8 waived his right to a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker.
Brandon S. Fritz, 31, of 103 Spring St., was arrested by Mahanoy City police Cpl. Michael Dissinger and charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, crimes committed with a fire arm, firearms not to be carried without a license, possession of firearms prohibited, carrying a loaded weapon, possessing instruments of crime, making repairs to or selling offensive weapons, displaying a plate card on an improper vehicle, driving an unregistered vehicle, driving without insurance and duties at a stop sign.
By waiving his right to a hearing, Fritz will have to answer to all of the charges against him in Schuylkill County Court.
Dissinger said he saw Fritz exit a "known drug house" in the 1000 block of East Pine St., and Patrolman Steven Krater pulled the vehicle he was driving over after seeing it go through a stop sign.
During the stop, Dissinger said he saw in plain view a black shotgun between the front driver and passenger's seats that was determined to be loaded with three shells and another one in the chamber.
Also inside were an extra box of Winchester shotgun shells the same caliber as the weapon as well as an extra barrel for the gun that appeared to be sawed off and only 17 inches long, Dissinger said.
Fritz was searched and found with a small clear plastic bag that contained heroin, Dissinger said, adding that a subsequent look inside the vehicle, in plain sight, was items of drug paraphernalia, including a methamphetamine pipe and an open camouflage bag with a 22 caliber handgun.
The van also contained a plastic bag with narcotics and inside the camouflage bag was a scale, other items for packaging marijuana, additional narcotics and drug paraphernalia.
Other court cases included:
Matthew J. Bagdonavicius, 20, of 53 E. Arch St., Frackville - dismissed: aggravated assault, simple assault, harassment and conspiracy. Held for court: possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Robert Clark, 32, of 107 N. White St., Shenandoah - held for court: possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, careless driving, making an unsafe U-turn and DUI-controlled substance.
Jose J. Zamudio, 31, of 959 W. Coal St., Shenandoah - waived for court: DUI and duties at a stop sign.
Helen M. Swett, 46, of 1551 Fishing Creek Valley Road, Harrisburg - waived for court: DUI, DUI-high rate, driving under the influence of drugs and careless driving.
Bobby Lee Taylor, 20, of 1117 Mahantongo St., Pottsville - withdrawn: robbery. Waived for court: theft and receiving stolen property.
Miguel Rosa Tello, 30, of 335 W. Cherry St., Shenandoah - held for court: driving without a license, restrictions on alcoholic beverages and DUI.
Leo James Jr., 55, of 400 W. Cherry St., Shenandoah - waived for court: DUI, DUI-highest rate, reckless driving and driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked.