Three Simultaneous Early Morning Drug Raids Result in Arrests

Three men were arrested and illegal drugs were seized when police raided three West Ward Easton residences, authorities report.

According to a media release, at approximately 6 a.m., the Easton Police Vice Narcotics Unit, Special Response Unit and Pennsylvania State Police Special Emergency Response Team (SERT) executed three narcotics search warrants simultaneously at 1448 Elm St., 1418 Spruce St. and 1150 Washington St. Police say the warrants were the result of ongoing investigations into illegal drug activity over several months and that they had received complaints from  neighbors for some of the targets.

At 1448 Elm St., after a warrant was served by the Easton Police Special Response Unit, Michael Miller, 32, was arrested and will be charged with possession of methamphetamine, the EPD said.

James Pokajni Jr., 35, was arrested after the state police SERT searched the residence, and is expected to be charged with possession of drug paraphernalia relating to methamphetamine possession. Police said extra precautions were taken by officers at the house because they suspected there was a methamphetamine lab on the premises, but none was found.

At 1150 Washington St., James Duckworth, 38, was arrested after the state police SERT searched the residence. Police said the EPD Vice Unit already had a warrant for him relating to charges of delivering heroin, and that he also faces additional charges for possession with intent to deliver heroin, possession with intent to deliver psilocybin mushrooms, and the manufacture of psilocybin mushrooms.

Police added they found a mushroom grow at the residence, along with approximately $3,000 worth of the illegal fungi, $2,200 worth of heroin, and a .22 caliber handgun.

An aggressive pitbull that was also in the Washington Street residence charged at police, but officers were able to secure it in a cage, and no injuries to either the dog or the officers resulted, police reported.

Police said Pokojni and Miller will face charges via summons, and Duckworth will be arraigned later today.

According to online county public records, the residence at 1448 Elm St. is owned by Domenic Desei of Roseto, 1418 Spruce St. is owned by James Pokajni Sr. of Easton, and 1150 Washington St. is owned by Samantha Davis, listed as living at the same address.

Updated at 1:13 p.m. to add property owners' information.