Judge gives probationary sentence
An Armstrong County man received a probationary sentence in Butler County Court on Thursday, after being charged with possession of nearly 100 stamp bags of heroin during a traffic stop in Buffalo Township in December.
Dean B. Miller, 46, of Kittanning was sentenced to 72 hours to six months in Butler County Prison, with credit for six days' time served, and two years of county probation by county Judge Timothy McCune.
Miller previously pleaded guilty to misdemeanor driving under the influence, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
He also was ordered to perform 60 hours of community service, participate in the county litter pickup program, undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation and treatment and pay $1,200 in fines.
Miller was initially charged with felony possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, misdemeanor DUI controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of paraphernalia and summary not driving in the right lane after an incident on Route 28 north on Dec. 29.
Police said the vehicle was pulled over for lingering in the left lane, and Miller was found driving under the influence of heroin.
Miller admitted that he had used heroin “a few hours earlier,” according to a police affidavit.
Inside the vehicle, what appeared to be a drug-inhaling straw on the driver's seat was found, as well as 96 stamp bags of heroin hidden in a can of snuff in the center console, according to court documents. In the console, police said, were other empty bags of suspected heroin.
Miller was arrested and placed in the Butler County Prison before posting $50,000 bail.
