Mom, son face meth charges

BY STACI WILSON

Law enforcement authorities claim a mother and son were both responsible for operating a methamphetamine manufacturing operation in Clifford Twp.

Christopher Malone, 27, of Clifford Twp., was taken into custody by state police the evening of March 15. Malone was the primary target of investigation by the state’s attorney general office, according to the affidavit filed last week in Clifford District Court.

As part of the investigation, a search warrant was executed on the Jones Road home Malone shared with his mother, Diane Steneck, the following day.
Steneck, 45, of Clifford Twp., was taken into custody without incident.

According to the affidavit, filed in Clifford District Court by Agent Nicholas Davitt of the state’s Office of the Attorney General, a search of the residence, garage and a nearby burn pit turned up a number of items used in the manufacturing a methamphetamine. Items seized by law enforcement included pseudoephedrine, chemicals, numerous used “one-pot” manufacturing vessels, acid, and methamphetamine.

Steneck told authorities that Malone had been making methamphetamine at the home and the items recovered in the search belonged to him.

But through law enforcement databases, Agent Davitt verified Steneck was purchasing the monthly limit of pseudoephedrine and has been blocked from purchasing the drug numerous time.

Malone and Steneck were both charged with manufacture, delivery, possession of a controlled substance with intent to manufacture or deliver; possession of a controlled substance by a person not registered; possession of red phosphate with intent to manufacture a controlled

substance; risking catastrophe; and conspiracy – manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver.

Malone was released on bail. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for April 5.

Steneck was released on bail. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for March 22.