Johnsonburg woman facing multiple drug-related charges

A Johnsonburg woman is incarcerated and facing multiple drug-related charges following the execution of a sealed search warrant at her residence in January.

Heather Rose Watson, 28, of 307 Spruce St., Apt. 1, Johnsonburg, is facing charges in relation to the incident, according to a criminal complaint filed at the office of Magisterial District Judge James Martin in Johnsonburg.

On Jan. 18, members of the Attorney General’s North Central Municipal Drug Task Force and Johnsonburg Borough police officers served a sealed search warrant on Watson’s residence.

During the execution of that search warrant, approximately 24 grams of suspected methamphetamine were discovered along with packaging materials, digital scales, a counterfeit bill detection pen, U.S. currency, and assorted drug paraphernalia. The items of drug paraphernalia included pipes, baggies, lighters, pen tubes, mirrors, spoons, and other items consistent with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.

The street value of the recovered methamphetamine was reportedly $2,400.

When interviewed, Watson admitted to selling methamphetamine in excess of 100 times since November 2022. She also admitted to possessing the controlled substances and drug paraphernalia found at her residence.

Watson also alleged that the methamphetamine found in her residence was for sale, and she and a 34-yearold male were both responsible for selling it. Furthermore, Watson admitted to officers that she had used her cellphone not only for drug sales, but also to purchase drugs from her supplier.

While Watson provided written consent to search her cellphone, a sealed search warrant was also applied for and granted to search the contents of Watson’s phone.

The search of Watson’s cellphone revealed text messages and Facebook messages where known persons contacted Watson to purchase controlled substances.

A message was also discovered between Watson and another 28-yearold female where Watson asked the woman for the pin to her EBT card so that Watson could use the card to make purchases. Watson later admitted that she took the woman’s EBT card as collateral for drugs and had used the EBT card to make purchases for herself.

Along with the woman’s EBT card, the search of Watson’s residence revealed that she was in possession of numerous debit/credit cards and other EBT cards. Watson admitted to loading the proceeds of illegal drug sales onto debit cards at the Family Dollar store in Johnsonburg.

Additionally, digital evidence showed that Watson had used Cash App in the furtherance of her drug trafficking.

Preliminary arraignment for Watson was held at 12:36 p.m. on Feb. 9 before Judge Martin.

Watson is facing one first-degree felony charge of deal in deal in proc unl act/intent to promote knowledge that property is proceeds of illegal act; one thirddegree felony charge of criminal use of communication facility; one ungraded felony charge of manufacture, delivery, or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver; one ungraded misdemeanor charge of intent to possess controlled substance by person not regulated; and one ungraded misdemeanor charge of use/ possession of drug paraphernalia.

Bail for Watson was set at $150,000 monetary. Unable to post bail, Watson was incarcerated at Elk County Prison.

A preliminary hearing for Watson is scheduled to be held at 2 p.m. on March 1 before Judge Martin.