Attorney General Shapiro: Lackawanna County woman who left heroin near 3-year-old child facing drug charges

April 14, 2017 | Topic: Opioids

HARRISBURG — Attorney General Josh Shapiro today announced the arrests of two people from Lackawanna County for possessing significant amounts of heroin, prescription pills, other drugs and a firearm. One of the defendants had placed heroin on a bed that her 3-year-old child was sleeping on.

The arrests of Raymond Matos, 36, and Amanda Lee Ferrer, 25, are the result of a joint investigation by the Attorney General’s Bureau of Narcotics Investigation and Scranton and Throop police.

A confidential informant purchased 100 bags of heroin from Matos at his Throop apartment, leading investigators to obtain a search warrant for the residence, where Ferrer also resides. The search resulted in the seizure of approximately 63 grams of heroin, 133 Oxycodone pills, $33,981 in cash, a .38 caliber handgun, and marijuana.

“Our investigators and local authorities identified two individuals who were storing deadly drugs – within arm’s reach of a toddler. That’s unconscionable,” Attorney General Shapiro said. “Strong collaboration by law enforcement enabled us to take two drug dealers off our streets and protect an innocent child’s welfare.”

The investigation unfolded as agents and police were conducting an undercover probe involving another suspect. Agents observed that suspect drive to the apartment where Matos and Ferrer reside on Memorial Drive in Throop to buy heroin.

Later, a confidential informant bought 100 bags of heroin from Matos at his apartment. Agents and police then executed a search warrant at the apartment. During the search, Ferrer attempted to destroy heroin in a bedroom so investigators would not find it. Agents reported finding heroin on the floor and bed where Ferrer’s child was sleeping.

Matos is charged with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, delivery of a controlled substance, criminal use of a communication facility, persons not to possess firearms and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Ferrer is charged with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, endangering the welfare of children, tampering with evidence and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Matos’ bail was set at $200,000. Ferrer’s bail was set at $150,000. They are both being held in the Lackawanna County Prison. Preliminary hearings are scheduled for April 20.

“We thank Throop and Scranton police for all their work on this investigation,” Attorney General Shapiro said, “and we look forward to working with our partners in the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office, which is prosecuting these cases.”

Individuals who have witnessed a drug deal in their neighborhood or suspect illegal drug activity where they live or work can send an anonymous tip to the Office of Attorney General by texting PADRUGS + YOUR TIP to 847411. Tips may also be submitted electronically here.

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