By Jaime North
DANVILLE -- An alleged drug dealer -- who police said tried to pass generic pain medicine off as Percocet, a prescription narcotic -- will have his case go to Montour County Court after two Friday preliminary hearings in Danville.
James P. McNaughton, formerly of 524 Merceron St., Catawissa, was arrested last week for allegedly selling prescription pills to a police informant, including one purchase where he sold 15 pills of Tylenol for $50, according to Danville police.
In both instances, McNaughton met the informant in the parking lot of a Danville grocery store.
Also charged for separate alleged roles in the two arranged drug purchases were Donald W. Erlston, 21, of 23 Cooper St., Danville, and Brandon R. Mowrer, 22, of 6 C St., Danville.
Mowrer waived his preliminary hearing and had his bail amended by District Judge Marvin Shrawder to $25,000 unsecured bail.
Police said Mowrer, who is facing charges of criminal conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility, helped arrange a drug purchase with McNaughton and the informant on June 4, where the men met in the supermarket's parking lot. There, McNaughton sold 15 pills of Percocet for $50 to the informant, police said.
Shrawder upheld Erlston's felony charge of criminal conspiracy and also amended his bail to $2,500.
Police said Erlston helped McNaughton meet the informant on June 6 by driving him to the supermarket from Riverside.
McNaughton, whose bail remains set at $51,000, faces felony charges of criminal conspiracy, delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and criminal use of a communication facility for his alleged role in both arranged purchases, according to police.
All three men, who were returned to Montour County Jail following the district court proceedings, next face arraignment in county court.
n E-mail comments to jnorth@dailyitem.com.
