St. Marys man found to be in possession of $13,500 worth of methamphetamine

The execution of search warrant at a residence on Taft Road in St. Marys last month resulted in felony drug charges being filed against a St. Marys man after he was found to be in possession of $13,500 worth of methamphetamine.

According to a criminal complaint filed at the office of Magisterial District Judge Mark Jacob in St. Marys, Michael Joseph Holjencin, 62, of 251 Taft Rd., St. Marys, is facing charges in relation to the incident.

On Nov. 4, officers of the City of St. Marys Police Department and the Elk County Municipal Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at Holjencin’s residence following months of drug investigations in the Elk County area that revealed Holjencin was involved with both using and distributing methamphetamine.

The search warrant was for Holjencin’s residence, a shed located behind the residence, and Holjencin’s vehicle. The items to be searched for and seized included methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, cellular telephones and/or electronic mobile devices, and financial proceeds from the dealing of methamphetamine.

During the search, Holjencin arrived at his residence and was advised of his Miranda Rights. Holjencin reportedly told officers where his drugs and currency were hidden. As a result of the search, $4,603 in U.S. currency, and controlled substances to include 135.1 grams of methamphetamine and 52 suboxone or buprenorphine pills were seized.

Drug paraphernalia was also found throughout the residence, shed, and vehicle. The paraphernalia included, but was not limited to, pipes or smoking devices, packaging materials, digital scales, and other assorted items used to introduce a controlled substance to the human body. Two mobile cellular phones were also seized.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, the amount of methamphetamine found in

Holjencin’s possession would have a street value of approximately $13,500.

A search warrant was issued for the mobile cellular phones, and a data extraction revealed messages between Holjencin and other individuals about drug-related activity regarding dealing drugs and drug transactions. These messages confirmed Holjencin used his cellular telephone for and was involved with obtaining, possessing, and distributing controlled substances in the Elk County area.

Preliminary arraignment for Holjencin was held before Judge Jacob at 11:55 a.m. on Dec. 7.

Holjencin is facing two ungraded felony charges of manufacture, delivery, or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver; one third-degree felony charge of criminal use of communication facility; two ungraded misdemeanor charges of intent to possess a controlled substance by a person not regulated; and two ungraded misdemeanor charges of use/possession of drug paraphernalia.

Bail for Holjencin was set at $100,000, 10 percent monetary. Unable to post bail, Holjencin was incarcerated at Elk County Prison.

A preliminary hearing for Holjencin is scheduled to be held at 2:45 p.m. on Dec. 19 before Judge Jacob.