FRANKLIN, Pa. (EYT) — A Franklin man is facing felony drug charges after he was found in possession of a quantity of methamphetamine and baggies for distribution during a search for a fugitive at a residence in Franklin.

Court documents indicate the Franklin Police Department filed criminal charges against 40-year-old Jonathan Jay Vantassell.

According to a criminal complaint, around 12:28 p.m. on April 14, Franklin Police were requested by the US Marshal’s Service to assist in the apprehension of a fugitive absconder identified as Shain William Focht, who was known to be at a location on Liberty Street in Franklin.

According to the complaint, police made entry to the residence and Focht fled through a back window but was apprehended following a short foot pursuit.

The complaint notes that while inside the residence, police found, in plain view, several illicit items and then requested and were granted a search warrant for the property.

During the resulting search, Jonathan Jay Vantassell was found to be in possession of three small baggies and one large baggie of methamphetamine weighing approximately 44.5 grams as well as multiple plastic baggies for individual sale, according to the complaint.

Vantassell was arraigned in front of Magisterial District Judge Matthew T. Kirtland at 6:00 p.m. on May 7, on the following charges:

– Manufacture, Delivery, or Possession With Intent to Manufacture or Deliver, Felony
– Possession of Controlled Substance, Misdemeanor
– Use/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Misdemeanor

Unable to post $35,000.00 monetary bail, he was lodged in the Venango County Jail.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on May 19 with Judge Kirtland presiding.