Area men arrested after sale of cocaine to informant

Two area men face felony drug charges after the sale of crack cocaine to a confidential informant, according to a criminal complaint.

Walter Pruitt, 37, of 382 Commerce Drive, Scott Twp., and Damion Foster, 54, of 617 Mineral Ave., Scranton, are charged with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.

According to the criminal complaint, on March 1, a confidential informant identified Pruitt, also known as “Tee,” as an area dealer of crack cocaine.

Officers recorded the informant’s communications with Pruitt, during which the two planned a drug transaction at a specific location.

Pruitt said he would be sending a “runner” to deliver the drugs to that location.

The informant purchased crack cocaine from the runner during a recorded transaction.

Officers recognized the voice of the “runner” as  Foster’s. A records check of the vehicle in which he arrived for the purchase indicated it belonged to Pruitt.

Investigators spoke with Pruitt’s federal probation officer, who said Pruitt would be out of state until March 28, consistent with Foster’s use of his vehicle.

On March 30, law enforcement officers conducted a second controlled buy at an agreed-upon location, providing marked bills to the informant for the purchase.

Officers recorded the transaction, this time directly between Pruitt and the informant.

The informant later handed over crack cocaine to investigators.

During a traffic stop in the 600 block of South Blakely Street, Dunmore, investigators arrested Pruitt.

Officers searched Pruitt’s wallet and found cash, later identified as the money provided to the confidential informant for the drug purchase.

Pruitt admitted to having additional illegal drugs and turned over more crack cocaine and five ecstasy tablets.

Pruitt also faces charges of criminal use of a cellphone, and possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Foster is additionally charged with possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia.

Pruitt and Foster remain in Lackawanna County Prison in lieu of bail — Pruitt, $200,000, and Foster, $50,000. Both have preliminary hearings scheduled for April 9 before District Judge Alyce Farrell.

The investigation included law enforcement officers from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Pennsylvania State Police Troop R Vice and the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office Drug Unit.