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Bust in Butler's Island neighborhood nets two people, drugs, guns

Suspected heroin or fentanyl, MDMA pills, alleged drug trafficking contraband and two handguns were seized from a home in Butler's Island neighborhood during a Friday raid by the Butler County Drug Task Force.

One of the guns, investigators said, had its serial number removed.

Officers arrested the residents, Joshua K. McKenzie, 35, a felon, and Kristin Tate, 38, at the home on the 300 block of Virginia Avenue. Both defendants are in the Butler County Prison on $100,000 bond each.

Both defendants were home when the task force, following an ongoing investigation, executed a search warrant at the house about 6 a m., authorities said.

The search turned up 33 stamp bags and eight grams of unpackaged suspected heroin or fentanyl, and 59 pills of suspected MDMA, also known as ecstasy or molly, officers said.

Also allegedly found were false bottom containers, drug-packaging materials, a digital scale, four cell phones and $210 cash that included $20 in pre-recorded funds used during the investigation.

Additionally, investigators said they seized a .25-caiber handgun and a .45-caiber handgun. The .45-caliber pistol's serial number had been obliterated, authorities said.

Officers noted that because of McKenzie's record, which includes a conviction for robbery, he is prohibited under state law from having any firearms.

Both defendants were arraigned on felony charges of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver a controlled substance and possession of a firearm with an altered serial number.

The two also were arraigned on misdemeanor charges of possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. Additionally, McKenzie was arraigned on a felony charge of persons not to possess firearms.

Preliminary hearings for McKenzie and Tate are set June 1. Online court records did not indicate if the defendants have attorneys.

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