RAYBURN TWP, Armstrong County — A Worthington woman is accused of playing host to drug dealers and helping them traffic narcotics in the county.

Armstrong County Drug Task Force officers on Monday arrested the suspect, 22-year-old Gabrielle K. Simms, and two alleged dealers on felony and misdemeanor drug possession charges.

All three defendants — Simms; Terrell D. Floyd, 33, of Kittanning; and John D. Weathersby, 40, of Pittsburgh — remain in the county jail.

“These arrests show the public that this stuff is going on in the county, and we’re not going to tolerate it,” county Detective Franklin “Butch” Roofner, who heads the task force, said Tuesday.

“We’ve got people in this county that we don’t want. We want them in jail or in (drug addiction) treatment.”

Sheriff Bill Rupert, one of his deputies and another county detective found the defendants at Staley’s Motel in Rayburn Township, where they had gone to serve a bench warrant on a wanted person, authorities said.

When Rupert and Detective Frank Pitzer, who also serves on the drug task force, knocked on the door to a room where the fugitive was believed living, Weathersby tossed a velvet Crown Royal bag out of the rear window.

The bag, according to investigators, had 35 grams of suspected crack cocaine and a small baggie of marijuana.

Little did Weathersby know that Deputy Jason Huffhand was in back of the motel, just outside the window.

“The bag almost hit (Huffhand),” Roofner said with a laugh.

Officers went into the room and found Weathersby and his two alleged accomplices. Weathersby and Floyd, both suspected “mid-level” dealers, collectively were holding more than $900, Roofner said.

A search of the room turned up suspected powder cocaine, a scale and hypodermic needle. Officers also seized a pair of cell phones.

Investigators said they believe the trio of suspects aided drug traffickers working in the county.

“Floyd and Weathersby were responsible for bringing various drug dealers into Armstrong County to sell narcotics,” Roofner said.

“Simms would provide transportation to these out of town and out of state dealers.”

The narcotics operation linked to the defendants was concentrated in the Kittanning and Ford City areas, investigators said.

All three defendants are charged with possession with intent to deliver, conspiracy and possession of drugs. Weathersby also is charged with tampering with physical evidence.

Floyd and Weathersby, both convicted drug felons, are jailed on $50,000 each. Simms is jailed on $25,000 bail.

Authorities said they expect more arrests in their ongoing investigation, which is being assisted by police in North Buffalo and Manor townships.

“We’re tired of the crap, the drug dealing and heroin overdoses,” Roofner said. “We’re trying to do something about it.”