Investigation into Illegal Narcotics in Minersville Leads to 11 Facing Drug Charges

11 people are facing drug charges after police executed a search warrant late Tuesday.

According to Minersville Police Patrolman Jeffrey Bowers, around 8:30pm, Tuesday, Minersville Police along with assistance from New Philadelphia Police, and the Schuylkill County Sheriff's office executed a search warrant at 109 South Second Street in Minersville.

The warrant search is part of an investigation by police into the illegal narcotics in the borough.

While executing the warrant, police took the following individuals into custody
- Christ James Natale Jr., 18, of Minersville
- Alyson Mae Galen, 24, of Pottsville
- Joseph Scott Mitchell, 18, of Pottsville
- Kyle Steen Landis, 18, of Minersville
- Jacob Daniel Mason, 21, of Minersville
- Justin Edward Androsko, 23, of Minersville
- Justin Michael Colna, 18, of Pottsville
- 16 year old female
- David James Natale, 50, of Minersville

The search warrant being executed was for Christ J. Natle Sr. 45, who was not home at the time and police are still seeking.

Natale Sr. still being sought by police

Those mentioned above are facing charges of possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, forgery, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Also facing charges is Brandon Scinto, 24, of Pottsville for possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

All were arraigned before Magisterial District Judge David Plachko and committed to Schuylkill County Prison with the following bails.

- $150,000 Straight Cash - Christ Natale Jr., David Natale
- $25,000 (10%) - Landis, Mason, Colna, Mitchell
- $50,000 Straight Cash - Androsko
- $25,000 unsecured - Galen

Charges were filed for the 16 year old female through Schuylkill County Juvenile Justice Department.

The execution of the search warrant led to the finding of live marijuana plants, methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and other items.

RETRACTION: Scinto was previously reported as being charged with forgery. That information was incorrect.