Feb 9, 2017 2 min read

BENTLEYVILLE – A Philadelphia man caught up in an investigation into fentanyl from China being distributed in the region saw his charges in a Deemston drug raid proceed Thursday to Washington County Court.

District Judge Curtis Thompson ordered the charges against Michael A. Martin, 34, be held for court during his preliminary hearing in a case that resulted in three other arrests and the seizure by state police of fentanyl patches, crack and small amounts of marijuana.

Martin was arrested Dec. 8 along with the resident of the raided house at 2430 Martindale Road, Jennifer Dawn Greene, 48, and Samantha Lee Howes, 38, of Clarksville. Martin’s father, George A. Briggs, 54, of Denbo, was arrested on a charge of possession with intent to deliver cocaine and crack in the case during a Feb. 2 traffic stop in East Bethlehem Township, investigators said.

Police entered Greene’s home with a search warrant that was sealed by Washington County Judge DiSalle, and officers found the house cluttered with small amounts of drugs and drug paraphernalia.

Martin’s attorney, Blaine Jones of Pittsburgh, argued Thursday that the charges against his client be dismissed because police found no evidence on him, and that he was holding a baby when officers arrived at the home.

“The evidence that was littered around the home was attached to other people,” Jones said. “My guy had $421 in his pocket. That’s it.” Assistant Washington County District Attorney Jerome Moschetta said the case involved an ongoing investigation into a pipeline of fentanyl from Philadelphia to Southwestern Pennsylvania. He also said Martin’s case was amended to add a charge of felony possession of a firearm. Investigators said evidence found on cellphones that were seized during the raid revealed discussions about narcotics coming to this area from Philadelphia.

Martin also was charged with drug possession with intent to deliver, drug possession and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was returned to Washington County jail on $250,000 bond.

Howes waived her charges of drug possession with intent to deliver, endangering the welfare of children, drug possession and possession of drug paraphernalia to court Dec. 8. She also was jailed on $250,000 bond.

Greene faces identical drug charges, which were held for court Dec. 8. She was jailed on $100,000 bond.

Briggs, who was jailed on $50,000 bond, is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing at 11 a.m. Feb. 14 before District Judge Joshua Kanalis.