Drug Bust
SHAMOKIN — Three men are facing drug charges, following an overdose at a Shamokin daycare Saturday. According to District Attorney Ann Targonski, 37-year-old Christian Kehler of Shamokin, 28-year-old Ryan Varano of Shamokin and 49-year-old Frederick Russo of Kulpmont were said to be selling and using heroin in a Shamokin daycare while it was closed.
The three men were charged with felony criminal conspiracy and possession with intent to deliver, as well as a misdemeanor of possession of an illegal substance. Shamokin police were called to the Jesus’ Lil Helpers Daycare on South Fifth Street Saturday night to investigate an overdose. The officers arrived to find Kehler laying unconscious. He was taken by ambulance.
The daycare is operated and licensed to Varano’s mother, Kelley Ebersole. Varano allegedly told police he stays at the building when the daycare is not open and uses the location to sell, distribute and use heroin. He said the three of them would make trips to Philadelphia to buy heroin and then resell it in Shamokin.
Police found drugs and paraphenelia in the daycare Saturday. Some of the items were found on tables and chairs intended to be used by children. (Codi Jade)