Home visit from probation officers leads to drug bust

Shamokin, Pa. — A couple was arrested after Northumberland County probation officers conducted a visit at their Shamokin home.

On Aug. 15, police were called to the home of Robert D. Stewart, 35, and Crystal G. Bingaman, 42, after probation officers checking on Stewart found drug paraphernalia and firearms in plain sight, according to court documents.

Patrolman Travis Minnig of Shamokin Police, along with Patrolman Ethan Roughton, went inside and saw multiple types of drug paraphernalia on the kitchen table and plastic baggies with white powder under the table, according to the affidavit.

Minnig asked Stewart about the guns. Stewart told police the firearms belong to his wife, Bingaman, and he was not allowed to possess them. Stewart had previously been convicted on felony drug and robbery charges, according to the affidavit.

Police applied for a search warrant for the home. As officers went inside, Bingaman told Minnig two of the handguns were hers and the rifles belonged to Stewart.

After searching the home, police found 20 grams of prepackaged methamphetamine, .58 grams of the designer drug "spice," 13 grams of marijuana and rolled smoking blunts, five firearms and pieces of additional firearms. Stewart told police he "gets high and works on guns," according to the affidavit. Police also uncovered seven cell phones and drug paraphernalia, including a scale and glass smoking pipes.

Police researched the firearms and found out one of the guns had been reported stolen to the PSP barracks in Stonington, according to the affidavit.

Stewart and Bingaman were arrested on felony counts of possession of drugs with intent to deliver, possession of controlled substances, manufacture/distribution of designer drugs, and related charges. Stewart also was charged with a felony count of person not to possess a firearm and receiving stolen property.

District Judge William Zalinski set Bingaman's bail at $5,000. Stewart awaits an arraignment date.

Docket Sheet Bingaman

Docket Sheet Stewart