Area man jailed on drug charges
A Canonsburg man who police believe was dealing marijuana and heroin for the last two years was arrested Friday afternoon by borough police after officers served a search warrant at his Highfield Avenue apartment.
James “Wolf” Nelson III, 41, of 401 Highfield, was taken into custody by borough officers and agents with the federal Drug Enforcement Agency in Pittsburgh about 2:15 p.m. after the warrant was served at his apartment. Also taken into custody on a bench warrant was Andre Gray, 28, of Eighty Four, who arrived at the home while police were serving the warrant. A warrant was issued for Gray after he failed to respond last month to a charge of criminal mischief filed against him at the office of District Judge Jay Weller by North Strabane Township police.
Canonsburg police Chief Al Coghill said police were aware of Nelson selling both heroin and marijuana from his home, as well as meeting buyers at different locations.
“We had received numerous complaints about the activity from residents in the area,” Coghill said. “We also had information from informants that he had been selling as far back as 2013.”
Police said a confidential informant was able to purchase heroin from Nelson at his home. Police were able to get a search warrant from Washington County Judge Gary Gilman.
“We were able to confiscate a substantial amount of marijuana as well as 34 stamp bags of suspected heroin,” Coghill said. “We also found three handguns but have not yet determined the ownership on them.”
Police also will determine whether Nelson’s live-in girlfriend had any involvement with the drug operation, the chief added.
“We continue to press in any way we can against the illegal sales of narcotics,” Coghill said. “Drugs are the primary source of our problem when it comes to property crimes like burglary and theft.”
Mayor David Rhome is pleased that residents continue to provide police with information.
“The intelligence we received enabled the officers to make the arrest,” Rhome said. “Without the help of residents, our officers couldn’t continue their fight to keep the community secure.”
Nelson was arraigned before District Judge David Mark on charges of possession with intent to deliver heroin and marijuana and possession of heroin, marijuana and paraphernalia. He was placed in Washington County jail on $25,000 bond. A preliminary hearing is set for May 13 before Mark.