MAHANOY CITY -- Newswatch 16 has learned that money is missing from the police department in Mahanoy City, money seized in a drug case.
Just days ago, the police chief suddenly retired. A special meeting was called for Wednesday.
Borough council members are considering a plan that would have another police agency manage the evidence room at the Mahanoy City Police Department after what may have happened to cash seized as evidence at a drug bust.
Mahanoy City's Police Chief James Kaczmarczyk retired suddenly and unexpectedly last week.
The former chief and a senior officer failed a recent polygraph test. They were being questioned about money seized from a bath salts dealer two years ago.
Some in the borough question the integrity of their police department.
"Right now, hearing this, law enforcement can't be trusted, in my opinion," said Amanda Loftus.
"There's no trust there. None at all," added Michael Loftus.
Schuylkill County District Attorney Christine Holman says the police department cannot account for $10,000 of money taken from Daniel Bynon III in May of 2014.
Bynon pleaded guilty last year to possessing bath salts.
The $10,000 seized should have been paid to the Schuylkill County Drug Task Force.
Holman asked Mahanoy City Police about where the money went.
"There were several different stories as to where the money went, what happened to it. And finally, it was decided the state police should be notified," said Holman.
The D.A. is concerned a review might show more cases of missing drug money in Mahanoy City, and she says it could potentially force her to drop charges against dealers.
From the back alleys of this struggling old coal community to the main streets, Mahanoy City has seen its share of drugs, and it's seen plenty of drug arrests.
"It seems like they were getting them left and right, but it seems, you know, there are a lot of drugs in this town for a small town," said Michael Loftus.
"Bath salts are here in town. I've heard heroin, meth labs, marijuana. It's terrible," said Amanda Loftus.
People are concerned because the Mahanoy City Police Department is now down to three officers and the officer in charge is being investigated over the missing money seized after the arrest of a bath salts dealer.
