Two Arrested in Task Force Heroin Investigation

TWO ARRESTED IN TASK FORCE HEROIN INVESTIGATION

March 5, 2007

Washington, PA – Washington County District Attorney Steven M. Toprani announced today the arrests of two adults, Stuart “Bumpy” Johnson, Jr., age 23, of 705 Municiple Street , Pittsburgh , PA and Kristine McBride, age 21, of 30 Valley View Drive , Washington , PA , following an ongoing investigation. Both individuals were charged with possession, possession with intent to deliver, and criminal conspiracy.

A search warrant was served at a Washington area motel room located at West Chestnut Street by Detectives of the District Attorney’s Drug Task Force. In assistance was North Franklin Police Department. As a result of the search of the motel room, the detectives recovered 200 bags of Heroin, computers, various electronic equipment and $1,000.00 cash. Also seized was the vehicle used to transport the narcotics.

“I am very pleased to announce the two arrests from this extensive investigation into the heroin trade in Washington . The people of Washington can expect more such arrests as we continue to fight illegal drugs,” said District Attorney Steven M. Toprani.

THE BATTLE OF LIGHT AND DARKNESS

The Weekly Recorder
April 18, 2008

Washington County is locked in a battle of light and darkness and for the first time in my life, the forces of light are starting to win.

Diana Irey and Steve Toprani stood bravely on Wednesday to ask for the simplest thing, an investigation into the obvious. Whether something at least procedure wise needs to change at the Washington County Jail.
But Commissioner Bracken Burns came forward with the most innane comment possible calling the allegations surrounding the jail “Street talk and rumors”.

Is it rumor that FBI agents have seized records?

Is it rumor that employees of the Washington County Jail have been called to testify?

Is it rumor that a Federal Grand Jury is meeting in Pittsburgh about the problems and possible crimes associated with the reign of former District Attorney John Pettit?

Is it rumor that numerous employees have come forward over the years about problems in the jail?
But as time passes, I come to realize that the forces of darkness are capable of anything. They will say whatever is necessary to maintain the despicable state that this county has fallen to.

Reform cannot happen from them. They are part of the problem. But there is hope.

The actions of Diana Irey and Steve Toprani deserve our praise and our prayers. Yesterday, Diana Irey in particular did the right thing.

As our editorial stated last week, there are only a few elected officials that have stood against the corruption. Some like Burns and Maggi have decided to only point it out when it hurts their enemies. Instead, they have chosen to either be fools or cowards. Either way they are undeserving of leadership.

But hope will win this war. It cannot fail for a simple reason, light will always defeat darkness. As the light is shown into the Washington Jail, the truth will come out.

As the fear of danger recedes, those that know the truth will come forward.

As the forces of goodness gain in power, those that use their power to destroy will feel weaker and weaker.

The egg has been cracked, the end is in sight. It will be a long journey. It will be a long hard fight. But in the end the darkness of this county will recede.