Homepage > Pittsburgh News

Local Students Charged After Big Marijuana Bust In Penn State Area

Pa. Attorney General's Office Announces Charges

POSTED: 1:10 pm EDT April 27, 2009
UPDATED: 9:32 am EDT April 28, 2009

Four Penn State University students -- including two from Allegheny and Westmoreland counties -- were among seven people charged Monday in an alleged conspiracy to distribute mass quantities of marijuana throughout State College.

Video: Penn State Students Charged

Attorney General Tom Corbett said Paul Spara, of Ruffs Dale, and non-student Jason Remington, of Saquoit, N.Y., are accused of heading an operation that distributed more than 400 pounds of marijuana with an estimated street value of $1.2 million that came into the United States from Canada through an Indian reservation.

A statewide investigating grand jury found that Spara, 23, received 10 to 50 pounds of marijuana from Remington on a weekly basis and paid between $2,700 and $2,800 per pound.

The grand jury also said that the marijuana was allegedly resold for as much as $3,200 per pound, and that Spara supplied marijuana to Penn State student Michael Montgomery, 22, of Wexford, and two other current and former students.

Montgomery was a Penn State fraternity member and allegedly supplied frat brothers and other students with the marijuana that he got from Spara, the grand jury said.

Spara is charged with intent to deliver/delivery of marijuana, corrupt organizations, criminal conspiracy, criminal use of a communications facility and dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities.

Montgomery is charged with possession with the intent to deliver marijuana, criminal conspiracy and dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities.

Links We Like
You can pick your friends, but not your family -- or your neighbors. Here's what you need to know about how to deal with yours. More

Find out what a sputtering economy and an increasingly difficult to crack job market means to you. More

Are you often tired or rushed in the morning? Give your morning habits a makeover, and start the day feeling positive and energetic instead. More

If you're looking to save on your next new vehicle, a low sticker price is just one aspect. Consider all the costs and make the right decision. More

Health Topics & Information

10 expert tips to promote a healthier heart. Learn why the “full-fat” version of food is often better than the “low-fat” version. More

Sponsored Links