A 42-year-old Scranton man sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant and left drugs within reach of a 3-year-old child, police said.
Members of the Pennsylvania State Police Troop R Vice Unit met Friday with a confidential informant regarding the person’s involvement with Michael Patrick Reid, according to a criminal complaint.
The informant told troopers they show up at Reid’s residence — 720 Stafford Ave., Apt. 8 — unannounced because he doesn’t like to communicate over the phone when talking about drug sales, police said.
Investigators established surveillance in the area of 720 Stafford Ave. before the informant exited an undercover vehicle and walked to the rear of the property, according to the criminal complaint.
Troopers then observed the informant leave the building, get back in the vehicle and hand investigators methamphetamine purchased from Reid, police said.
While executing a search warrant at the apartment, troopers spotted Reid in the bathroom area with another male, Aaron Mellem, according to the criminal complaint.
Investigators also encountered Brooke Murphy and a 3-year-old child lying on the floor, police said.
Reid told investigators he threw approximately 3.5 grams of methamphetamine into the toilet because he was afraid the police were knocking on his door, troopers said.
Investigators found a clear plastic baggie containing methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia inside Murphy’s purse in the bathroom, according to the criminal complaint.
Reid informed investigators that he wasn’t selling anything big, just a little, police said.
Investigators seized approximately 1.5 grams of fentanyl, approximately 3.5 grams of suspected powder cocaine, approximately 2.5 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 43 suspected Xanax pills, a digital scale, bulk packaging material, and a burned glass smoking device, according to the criminal complaint.
All the items were within reach of the 3-year-old, who was placed into the custody of a family friend, police said.
Reid, Murphy and Mellem all admitted to being under the influence of narcotics at the scene, investigators said.
Troopers also found glass smoking devices, straws with residue, and clear plastic bags with drug residue within 10 to 15 feet of the child’s reach.
Police charged Reid with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, tampering with physical evidence and endangering the welfare of children.
As of Monday, Reid remained at Lackawanna County Prison in lieu of $100,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 25 at 9:45 a.m.