SHAMOKIN -- Three men from Northumberland County face numerous charges for allegedly dealing and using drugs in a day care facility.
Police think those three men were committing crime at a Shamokin day care when it was closed.
The day care is run by one of the suspect's mothers who talked with Newswatch 16.
The windows at Jesus' Lil Helper's Daycare in Shamokin are colorfully decorated and inside the facility children played. But what police say happened there Saturday night is a different story.
Police say three men -- Ryan Varano, Christian Kehler, and Frederick Russo -- used and dealt drugs out of the day care after hours. Police were called to the facility when Kehler overdosed on heroin.
Investigators say there were syringes and drug residue on tables and chairs meant for the children.
"I think it's a terrible disgrace," said Susan Johnson of Shamokin.
"That is terrible, the thought that (it's) just around the corner," said Christina White of Shamokin.
The day care is owned and operated by Varano's mother Kelley Ebersole.
While Varano told police he stays at the facility on nights and weekends and deals drugs there, his mother tells a different story. She says her son has a drug problem and broke into the day care. Ebersole says 15 children attend the day care. She met with their parents, and according to Ebersole, they support her.
"She's very friendly and she said if I ever needed any day care assistance, I could come down to put in the application process," White said.
She says the facility is open and was cleaned and inspected by the state Department of Human Services. We also talked to a parent who sends her child to the day care. She said she supports the owner and will continue to send her child there.
The owner of the day care tells Newswatch 16 she plans to press charges against her son and everyone involved in the situation.
"I think she should, whether it's her son or not. And I certainly wouldn't let him inside my house," Johnson said.
"Definitely makes me feel better that she's willing to accept that her son has problems, hopefully it will get him some help," White added.
Christian Kehler is listed in serious condition at Geisinger Medical Center near Danville. Frederick Russo was arrested Tuesday and police are looking for Ryan Verrano. The three face a long list of drug charges.