2025 Nanticoke PD News
3/25/2025
Nanticoke man charged after ramming police vehicles during chase
rtomkavage@scrantontimes.com | The Times-Tribune
​
A 23-year-old Nanticoke man faces charges after officers said he struck police cars with his vehicle during a high-speed chase after fleeing a traffic stop.
Members of the Lackawanna County Drug Task Force met with a confidential informant Thursday at about 1:50 p.m. to discuss heroin and crack cocaine sales, and the informant told officers about a man identified as “Brail,” according to the criminal complaint.
Officers conducted surveillance on Monahan Avenue in Dunmore and gave the informant money to purchase drugs, police said.
The suspect — later identified as Jabrail Crumbley — arrived at the location in a Ford Explorer. Then, when the informant exited Crumbley’s SUV, officers attempted to stop the vehicle for the narcotics transaction by using emergency lights and sirens with two fully marked patrol units and three unmarked patrol vehicles, according to the criminal complaint.
Crumbley rammed his vehicle into police cars and led officers on a pursuit that ended on the Casey Highway, officers said.
Throughout the pursuit, Crumbley ran his vehicle into police vehicles three times, according to the complaint. He also drove into oncoming traffic at speeds exceeding 100 mph, officers said.
Crumbley was treated by medical personnel on scene and refused further treatment, police said.
A Dunmore police officer suffered minor injuries and was sent to a hospital for evaluation after the chase led to a three-vehicle crash, according to the complaint.
Officers obtained a search warrant for the vehicle after smelling a strong odor of marijuana, and found marijuana, codeine liquid, drug paraphernalia, packaging materials and three cellphones, along with the money used in the drug transaction, police said.
The informant also turned over crack cocaine and heroin to police from the drug transaction, officers said.
Police charged Crumbley with aggravated assault, fleeing or attempting to elude an officer, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communications facility and related counts.
Additionally, Crumbley was driving with a suspended license stemming from a previous DUI charge, police said.
As of Monday, Crumbley remained jailed at Lackawanna County Prison in lieu of $200,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 3 at 9 a.m.
3/17/2025
Stolen firearm, packaged marijuana found during traffic stop
Times Leader – Staff Report
​
WILKES-BARRE — An 18-year-old man from Nanticoke was charged with possessing a reported stolen firearm and a large amount of marijuana packaged for sale found during a traffic stop on Wednesday.
A trooper with the Pennsylvania State Police conducted a traffic stop on a 1998 Honda Accord on Butler Street near Wyoming Street in Wilkes-Barre at about 5:40 p.m.
A rear-seat passenger, identified in court records as Kameryn Devaney of Price Street, was observed making movements toward the front seat.
A search of the vehicle uncovered a loaded Glock 9mm handgun, a loaded magazine, a backpack containing a large amount of marijuana, THC vapes and gummies packaged for sale, court records say.
Court records say Devaney admitted the firearm and contents of the backpack belonged to him.
Devaney was arraigned by District Judge Joseph Spagnuolo in Plains Township on charges of receiving stolen property, firearms not to be carried without a license, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, endangering the welfare of a child, corruption of minors, tampering with evidence and possession of a small amount of marijuana. Devaney was jailed at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility for lack of $150,000 bail.
Court records say the Glock firearm was reported stolen, and a passenger inside the vehicle was under 18.
3/12/2025
Nanticoke police committed to creating new SWAT-like team
bkalinowski@citizensvoice.com
NANTICOKE — City police want to get more aggressive in fighting crime — and are asking the community for help.
Members of the police department’s union, the Nanticoke Police Officers’ Association, are trying to raise money for drug raid gear and to buy and train a new K-9.
“The drug issue in Nanticoke is big. It’s far more prevalent now than ever,” Patrolman Kyle Bielecki said. “I’m very passionate about it. I grew up in this town.”
They are calling the new venture the “Nanticoke Entry Team,” the equivalent of a SWAT Team.
“It’s something I’m personal about. We want to make sure we are fit for duty and you see us coming,” Bielecki said.
They are also trying to buy a drug-sniffing dog to establish a K-9 unit.
The union is hosting a fundraiser on March 21 at R Bar and Grill in Newport Twp. from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets and donations could be made at the union’s Venmo account at @Nanticoke-NPOA.
The fundraising goal is about $100,000.
Officer Anthony Waitkus, a four year veteran, said the city signed up to team with the Luzerne County Drug Task Force in recent years
“We knew we had a drug problem in town. We didn’t know the scale it was. We were shocked,” Waitkus said.
U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan, R-8, of Dallas Twp., who represents Nanticoke, has already donated $5,000 in personal money to the cause.
“Our men and women in blue are dedicated public servants who protect our neighbors each and every day. A strong and well-equipped police department is the foundation of a safe and thriving community,” Bresnahan said. “Our officers can best take care of our communities when they have the resources they need. I am proud to support the Nanticoke Police Department, and as a member of Congress, I will continue to advocate for investments in public safety for NEPA.”
City police have done several drug raids this year and hope to do more with the additional funding. The department has also been in touch with local state representatives seeking grants.
Police Chief Mike Roke supports the initiative.
“I look forward to working with the guys and hope we get everything going and hit the ground running,” Roke said.
Waitkus said the new unit is necessary and they are committed to making it happen.
“We need this. We need the NET Team and K-9 team. It’s not like people selling dime bags of weed anymore. There is more aggressive crime,” Waitkus said.
3/5/2025
Nanticoke man charged with stealing $26K from booster club
jhalpin@citizensvoice.com
The former president of the Nanticoke varsity football booster club was charged Tuesday with stealing over $26,000 from the organization during his tenure, according to charges filed in court.
Sterling Kepp, 47, of 336 E. Broad St., Nanticoke, is facing a single felony count of theft alleging he drained all but about $222 from the account of the booster club, which is formally known as the Nanticoke 12th Man Football Club.
According to the complaint, Wendy Graves reported having difficulty getting information about the club’s PNC Bank account when she was appointed club treasurer in August 2023.
Despite repeated inquiries about the banking information, Kepp failed to provide her the information she needed to view the online account, police said.
In October 2023, Graves went to the bank to make a deposit and inquired about the account balance, learning that only about $222 remained, according to the complaint.
After discovering a substantial amount of missing money, Graves contacted Kepp to ask if he had any outstanding checks waiting to be deposited.
Kepp replied that he knew he owed money to the club and promised to “make it right,” according to the charges.
Graves then contacted Superintendent Ronald Grevera, and they reported the missing money to police.
During a review of the books, investigators discovered that there were “undocumented currency disbursements” totaling $26,543 from the account, according to the complaint.
Police say Kepp had handled all financial responsibilities for the club during the period when the money went missing.
As a result, he was charged with the single felony count of theft.
Magisterial District Judge Alexandra Kokura Kravitz arraigned Kepp on the charges Tuesday morning and released him on $50,000 unsecured bail.
A preliminary hearing was scheduled for March 12.
3/1/2025
Nanticoke mom to stand trial over baby’s death
jhalpin@citizensvoice.com
​
A Nanticoke mother charged in the death of her infant daughter who suffocated after being placed face-down in a bassinet will stand trial on murder charges, a judge ruled Friday.
Natalee Michele Rasmus, 19, is accused of causing the death of 1-month-old Avaya Jade Rasmus-Alberto at 167 W. Green St. on Oct. 23, 2022.
Following a preliminary hearing Friday, Magisterial District Judge Donald L. Whittaker bound over for trial charges of third-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment.
According to prosecutors, Rasmus placed the baby in a curved “boppy pillow” to help her sleep in the soft bassinet next to her bed.
Investigators noted the warning tag on the boppy pillow clearly said “do not use for sleeping” and that a warning on the bassinet warned to “never” add a pillow because it becomes a suffocation hazard.
After being placed into the bassinet, the baby died of “asphyxia due to mechanical compression,” according to prosecutors.
Court records show Rasmus continues to be held at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility with bail set at $25,000 pending resolution of her case.
2/25/2025
Nanticoke police revamp entry team to combat rising drug issues
The Nanticoke Police Department is looking to fight back amid rising drug problems in the city, but the department is in need of the community's help.
Author: Melissa Steininger – WNEP-TV
Published: 5:36 PM EST February 24, 2025
Updated: 5:36 PM EST February 24, 2025
NANTICOKE, Pa. — Police say flashing lights have become a common sight in Nanticoke, Luzerne County.
Patrolman Kyle Beilecki grew up in the same city he now serves. "Even when I was a little kid, my mom would let me walk from the Hanover section to the high school. She didn't care. You can't do that now," says Beilecki.
The Nanticoke City Police Department says officers are responding to an increasing number of calls, about 13,000 a year, and making roughly two to three drug arrests every week. Beilecki says they’re fed up with fentanyl.
"You're pedaling drugs to possibly minors and even other people and ruining lives—it's not okay with any of us. We're sick of it, for lack of better terms. It's just seeing the downfall of good people in town," says Beilecki.
With the need for more drug raids comes the concern for those running toward danger.
"I'm going through this doorway, and I don't know what's on the other side. Even if you do know what's on the other side, it is unpredictable. Anyone can do anything at any moment," says Beilecki.
Because of this, Beilecki is in charge of bringing back the Nanticoke Entry Team.
Like a SWAT team, the specialized unit responds to high-risk situations like drug raids and warrants.
"We're trying to make a culture change in the community so they don't see us as the boogeyman all the time. But some people should see us as the boogeyman, and those people are going to get pushed out," says Beilecki.
The team started about 20 years ago but faded over the years. Beilecki hopes a newly formed Nanticoke Entry Team can bring back the same success it once had.
"They did a lot of good with it. When I was growing up, I remember seeing them doing raids. I remember skateboarding at the school and seeing them hit a house and pull a bunch of narcotics off the street," says Beilecki.
While Beilecki has the support of six officers interested in joining the team and the department behind him, he can’t do it alone. That’s why he’s asking the community for donations.
"These are steel plates with spall-proof coating on them. You're still going to feel it, you're still going down, but it's not going through," says Beilecki.
He says the specialty tactical gear needed costs upwards of $35,000.
"There's no second-guessing, it's just, I'm going to go, and whatever happens, happens. But I know I feel good about what I'm doing, why I'm doing it, and what I'm wearing to do it. I'm happy to go in," says Beilecki.
The group also hopes to add a K-9 to the force, increasing costs closer to $120,000, pushing forward Beilecki’s promise to protect and serve the place he grew up calling home.
"Knowing this exists might deter people from doing something different, and that can only help the community. They may think twice about pulling the gun," says Beilecki.
The department is accepting monetary donations for a K9, gear, personal protective equipment, training, and medical equipment to get the NET team up and running.
There will be a fundraiser held by the Nanticoke Entry Team on March 21st from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the R-Bar Alden Room. Tickets are available via VENMO @Nanticoke-NPOA
2/21/2025
Nanticoke police charge woman with peddling fentanyl, methamphetamine
Times Leader
NANTICOKE — Police in Nanticoke City and Newport Township along with the Luzerne County Drug Task Force arrested April J. Limmie, 46, on allegations she was delivering fentanyl and methamphetamine from her residence.
Police and drug agents served a search warrant at Limmie’s apartment in the 300 block of South Hanover Street early Thursday morning.
During the search, quantities of methamphetamine, packaging materials and cash were seized from Limmie’s apartment, police reported.
Limmie was arraigned by District Judge Donald Whittaker of Nanticoke on charges of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance. She was jailed at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility for lack of $100,000 bail.
Assisting in the investigation were police from Kingston, Pittston and Wilkes-Barre and the Luzerne County district attorney’s office.
2/21/2025
Nanticoke police investigating attempted arson at state rep’s office
elewis@timesleader.com
NANTICOKE — Police in Nanticoke City are investigating an attempted arson at a complex on North Walnut Street that houses the district offices of two state elected officials and a pharmacy late Wednesday night.
Police Chief Michael Roke said two beer bottles containing an accelerant where thrown at the building, specifically in front of the office of state Representative Alec Ryncavage (R-Hanover Township) at about 11:20 p.m.
Roke said detectives are actively investigating that he suspects may be an intentional target of Ryncavage.
The accelerant did not ignite or explode, Roke said, noting there was no damage to the interior of Ryncavage’s district office.
Detectives have obtained video surveillance and are gathering additional footage from the area of North Walnut Street, which is between Main Street and Weis Plaza, Roke said.
Ryncavage along with state Senator Lisa Baker (R-Lehman Township) have offices in the complex.
Police released a surveillance photo of the suspect.
Anyone who can identify the man pictured in the photo is asked to call 911 or Nanticoke Police Det. Captain Chadwick Southern at 570-736-2094.
2/7/2025
Male wounded in Nanticoke shooting Thursday night
bkalinowski@citizensvoice.com
NANTICOKE — City police are investigating a shooting that wounded a male Thursday night on East Washington Street.
Police confirm a male was shot in the leg at a home on the 400 block of East Washington Street.
Chief Mike Roke said the incident is believed to be a “isolated,” but the matter was under investigation.
Emergency crews responded to the call around 9:30 p.m. after getting reports of multiple gunshots fired.
No other details were immediately released.
2/5/2025
Nanticoke man pleads guilty to threatening Biden
jhalpin@citizensvoice.com
A Nanticoke man has pleaded guilty to making interstate threats for threatening in online videos to kill and behead former President Joe Biden, a crime that carries a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison, according to court records.
A federal grand jury indicted Jordan Gee, 38, last May on two counts of making threats against the president and one count of making threatening interstate communications.
According to prosecutors, Gee posted several threatening videos online ahead of a Biden visit to Scranton in April 2024. In the videos, Gee said, “Joe Biden: I’m going to kill you and your whole cabinet,” and, “If you come to my city in Scranton, Pennsylvania, I’m cutting your (expletive) head off in front of everybody, I promise.”
Gee reached a plea agreement with prosecutors in September and pleaded guilty to making threats during interstate communications on Jan. 23, court records show.
In exchange for the plea, prosecutors dropped two counts of threatening the president.
U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion accepted Gee’s plea and will impose the sentence at a later date.