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Tyrone woman charged in alleged drug operation

Brenneman arraigned for part in suspected ring in Hollidaysburg

A Tyrone woman faces charges after an investigation into a suspected drug ring operation in Hollidaysburg.

Dottie Kay Brenneman, 35, was arraigned Thursday before Magisterial District Judge Paula M. Aigner on felony charges of criminal conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver, possession with intent to deliver and criminal use of a communication facility, along with misdemeanor charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Hollidaysburg Borough police were notified on Jan. 23 about suspected drug activities at a North Juniata Street residence and began surveillance of the area, observing two males leaving the property on Feb. 2.

During a subsequent traffic stop, the two were found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia, including a marijuana pipe and syringes, according to the affidavit of probable cause. One of the men was also charged with possession of a small amount of marijuana.

On Feb. 9, police conducted a trash pull at the North Juniata Street residence, finding a large amount of drug paraphernalia, including empty syringes, empty bags and empty wax packets. The wax packets were stamped with symbols, namely “Target,” “Logo,” “Maybach” and “Zilla,” police reported, stating the wax packets are commonly used to store heroin and fentanyl. In addition, packaging consistent for storing a brick of heroin or fentanyl was also found in the trash, court documents state.

Police applied for and were granted a search warrant on Feb. 10 and members of the Blair County Drug Task Force and the state Office of the Attorney General executed the warrant on the residence, taking all three occupants of the residence into custody, including Brenneman and Forrest Beals of Hollidaysburg.

During the search of the home, police found drug paraphernalia, a hypodermic needle and empty heroin packets, an iPhone, $507, a clear vial, a Motorola cellphone, a thumb drive, an unknown blue pill and an additional cellphone.

Additionally, ammunition in a safe was located in the residence, though no guns were present. All evidence was seized, and the defendants were taken to the Hollidaysburg Police Department, court documents state.

During an interview with police, Forrest Beals, the tenant, allegedly said he was buying two bricks of heroin every couple of days from a male known as “Glen.” Also, Beals detailed a trip with Glen to Pittsburgh during which he purchased heroin and said he has made multiple trips with Glen.

Police then spoke with Brenneman, who told police that Beals is an acquaintance and that he was selling heroin. She also said Beals would go to Pittsburgh with Glen and that she has traveled to Pittsburgh with both Beals and Glen.

She admitted to being a broker for Beals and stated that she arranges heroin purchases with people in Tyrone, court documents state.

On Feb. 11, police obtained search warrants for Beals’ and Brenneman’s phones and found communications between the two and others consistent with the sale of controlled substances including heroin and methamphetamine, according to court documents.

While police identified Glen in court documents, charges have yet been filed against him in this case.

Beals’ case is listed as inactive, awaiting a preliminary hearing. According to court records, he faces felony and misdemeanor drug charges in this case.

A third person taken into custody with Brenneman and Beals has yet to be charged in this case, according to court records.

Brenneman’s bail was set at $25,000 unsecured, and she is scheduled to appear before Aigner for a preliminary hearing May 17.

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