Operation Clean Sweep: Minersville Authorities Apprehend Nearly a Dozen Wanted Individuals Wanted on Drug Charges

On Friday morning, Schuylkill County law enforcement worked together to execute Operation Clean Sweep in the Minersville area.
In a major crackdown on illegal activities in Schuylkill County, Minersville Police Sgt. Jeffrey Bowers announced the successful culmination of "Operation Clean Sweep," a five-month investigation into the trafficking of controlled substances and prostitution within the Borough of Minersville.

On Friday, Operation Clean Sweep was executed in attempt to take 17 individuals into custody.

This operation included the combined efforts of various agencies, including the Minersville Police Department, Port Carbon Police Department, Schuylkill County Housing Authority, and Coal Region Consulting & Investigations.

The operation resulted in the apprehension of a total of seventeen individuals involved in the trafficking of a variety of illicit substances, ranging from heroin and fentanyl to methamphetamine, suboxone films, marijuana, prescription narcotic pills, as well as individuals involved in Prostitution and Related Offenses.

During the course of Operation Clean Sweep, officers from the Port Carbon Police Department, Ashland Borough Police Department, Cass Township Police Department, Schuylkill County Sheriff's Department, and Coal Region Consulting & Investigations played pivotal roles in assisting the Minersville Police Department in taking these individuals into custody.

Sgt. Jeffrey Bowers highlighted that the investigation into narcotics trafficking in Minersville is ongoing, emphasizing the department's commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of the community. He urged residents to come forward with any information related to narcotics trafficking or to report any suspicious activities, assuring the public that all information shared would remain strictly confidential.

Minersville authorities have vowed to continue their relentless pursuit of justice, sending a clear message that illegal drug activities and prostitution will not be tolerated within the Borough.

"It’s a well-known fact that the Minersville Police Department aggressively targets drug dealers and has done so for many years under Chief Combs leadership. None of the work that we do would be possible without the full support of Mayor Palmer and our Borough Council who continued to fund 100% of our operations. It’s evident that they have a strong commitment to improving the lives of Minersville residents." Sgt. Bowers said.

Those taken into custody and arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Dave Plachko on Friday include (Charge listed with each individual)

Dlwanna Parker, 38, of Minersville - Locked up in Schuylkill County Prison on $50,000 straight cash bail for possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia.
Jason Moran, 47, of Minersville - Locked up in Schuylkill County Prison on (10%) $15,000 cash bail for possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia.
Jessica Locke, 42, of Ashland - (Released on 10% of $25,000 bail) possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia.
Leslie Tapia, 38, of Minersville - Locked up in Schuylkill County Prison on $50,000 straight cash bail for delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia.
Mary Jane Strausser, 61, of Minersville - (Released on 10% $10,000 cash bail) delivery of a controlled substance, conspiracy to commit delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, conspiracy to commit possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, conspiracy to commit possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, conspiracy to commit drug paraphernalia.
Mildred Scarano, 64, of Minersville - (Released on $15,000 unsecured bail) possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, delivery of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia.
Stardashia Gerald, of Minersville - (Released on $5,000 unsecured bail) Prostitution and related offenses
Zandra Saunders, 42, of Minersville - Locked up in Schuylkill County Prison on $25,000 straight cash bail on charges of attempt to commit possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, attempt to commit delivery of a controlled substance, attempt to commit possession of a controlled substance, attempt to commit possession of drug paraphernalia.
Sonja Karkanica, 35, Minersville - Locked up in Schuylkill County Prison on $50,000 straight cash bail for delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia.
Michael Ridgley, 53, Minersville - Locked up in Schuylkill County Prison on $15,000 cash bail in each of 2 cases that include possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, delivery of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia.
Alicia Jones, 39, Homeless - Locked up in Schuylkill County Prison on $35,000 straight cash bail for possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, forgery, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia.

Not in custody and still wanted on the listed charges are:

Adrian Pitts, 40, of Bethlehem - delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, conspiracy to commit delivery of a controlled substance, conspiracy to commit possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, conspiracy to commit possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, conspiracy to commit possession of drug paraphernalia.
Bianca McCabe, 22, of Ashland - delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia.
Richard Bealer, 41, No fixed address - delivery of a controlled substance, conspiracy to commit delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, conspiracy to commit possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, conspiracy to commit possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia.
Shakera Sharpe, 33, Homeless - delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia.
Sonya Spicher, 53, No fixed address - delivery of a controlled substance, conspiracy to commit delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, conspiracy to commit possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, conspiracy to commit possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia.
Deidre Scott, 34, of Minersville - delivery of a controlled substance, conspiracy to commit delivery of a controlled substance, conspiracy to commit possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, conspiracy to commit possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, conspiracy to commit possession of drug paraphernalia.

Should you know the whereabouts of the above individuals listed above, please contact your local law enforcement or contact Minersville Police by calling (570) 544-6212..

EDITOR'S NOTE: Further details on each of the people charged will be released in a separate story.