Watch CBS News

3 Arrested Following Undercover Drug Bust In Moon Township

MOON TOWNSHIP (KDKA) – A Moon Township mother and son as well as an Ambridge resident were arrested Thursday morning following a more than year-long undercover drug investigation.

According to Moon Township Police, Pamela Smallis (pictured left), 48, and her son Richard Smallis, 19, were arrested after the mother met with undercover confidential informants and was caught selling marijuana and numerous prescription drugs on five different occasions.

Smallis often had some of her juvenile children along with her during the drug sales, according to police, and twice used her children in drug sales. One of those sales included an undercover police informant, who purchased drugs from the child on Stocker Drive.

Neighbor Lou Stempler called it "completely despicable, just disgusting."

"Not only is it against the law, who knows what else the kids have been exposed to," Stempler said.

Another neighbor, George Scott, said it's "shocking" and said it's "hard to realize that this can happen in anybody's neighborhood, I suppose, but it happened in (mine)."

Police report that two children have been turned over to juvenille court because of their ages. Neither is in police custody. They are in juvenile court for selling drugs after the mother sent the confidential informant to her home to meet with the child, where the transaction took place.

John Peter Banes, 45, of Ambridge is charged as the source of the drug Oxymorphine to Pamela Smallis.

Richard Smallis is charged with criminal conspiracy as well as possession with intent to deliver, among other indictments.

Pamela Smallis faces numerous charges, including endangering welfare of children, corruption of minors and possession with intent to deliver.

The Moon Township Police and the Office of the Attorney General's Bureau of Narcotics Investigation Task Force is looking for any other information regarding this case. Any information is welcome including details regarding other crimes. Contact police at 412-262-5000 with any information.

RELATED LINKS
More News
More Local News

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.