Web update: Multi-state drug investigation nets four arrests

From the Pike County District Attorney’s Office MILFORD — A joint investigation between the Pike County Drug Task Force, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Narcotics Unit, the Port Jervis Police Department and the Pennsylvania State Police resulted in the arrest of four individuals on the night of Oct. 30. The two week investigation was initiated by the Port Jervis (N.Y.) Police and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Narcotics Unit. Investigators learned that a drug trafficking organization would sell heroin in the Matamoras, Westfall and Milford areas of Pike County. Thursday night, investigators arrested Wayne Allen Smith, age 28, of Milford, Raven Lee Conklin, age 25, of Milford and Matamoras, Richard Charles Smith, Jr., age 31, of Matamoras and Amber Lynn Brewer, age 20, of Matamoras. According to the criminal complaints, investigators were able to purchase heroin from Ruben Ray Pardo. When investigators placed a call to a cellular phone used by Pardo, a female who identified herself as Raven answered. The female directed the investigator to speak with Wayne. After speaking to Wayne, the investigator met with Wayne Smith in Westfall Township, where Smith sold 50 bags of heroin to the investigator for $550. On a second date, the investigator arranged another purchase of heroin from Wayne Smith, this time in Milford. While at the designated meeting place, Raven Conklin arrived and met with the investigator. Conklin then sold 49 bags of heroin for $550. The investigator arranged and completed a third sale, which took place in Westfall Township. During this sale of heroin by Raven Conklin, investigators noticed a young child in the vehicle used by Conklin and Wayne Smith to drive to the location where Conklin met the investigator. Last night investigators arranged another sale of heroin. After purchasing 100 bags of heroin from Richard Smith and Amber Brewer for $1,000, police arrested all four individuals. Investigators also served a search warrant on a residence in Milford. During the search of the residence, investigators recovered a .25 caliber firearm and drug paraphernalia. Pike County District Attorney Ray Tonkin praised the interstate cooperation in this case, saying, “Drug dealers should know that law enforcement officials on both sides of the Delaware River will work together to investigate, arrest and prosecute them.” All four individuals were arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Deborah Fischer and remanded to the Pike County Correctional Facility. The following is a complete list of defendants and charges: Wayne Allen Smith, age 29, of Milford, is charged with criminal conspiracy to deliver heroin, delivery of heroin, and criminal use of a communication facility. Raven Lee Conklin, age 25, with addresses in Matamoras and Milford, is charged with criminal conspiracy to deliver heroin, delivery of heroin, criminal use of a communication facility and endangering the welfare of a child. Richard Charles Smith, Jr., age 31, of Matamoras, is charged with criminal conspiracy to deliver heroin and delivery of heroin. Amber Lee Brewer, age 20, of Matamoras, is charged with criminal conspiracy to deliver heroin and delivery of heroin. The Pike County District Attorney’s Office expects to file additional charges and expects at least one additional arrest.