Two Charged After Drug Sale in Burger King Parking Lot

A Northampton County Drug Task Force operation has led to the arrests of two men, one of whom is charged with selling marijuana to a confidential informant in the parking lot of  in the Northampton Crossings shopping center.

On June 20 at 6:30 p.m., in conjunction with the task force staged a controlled substance purchase outside the Lower Nazareth Township fast-food restaurant.

Police say Benjamin Donello, 19, of the 200 block of Bushkill Terrace in Bushkill Township sold a confidential informant a quarter-ounce of marijuana for $100.

After the sale, Donello got into a vehicle driven by Joel Sanchez, 19, whose last known address was on the 400 block of Mountain View Road in Lower Nazareth. A female juvenile, who was not named, was with the men, according to an arrest warrant.

Colonial Regional performed a traffic stop and both men and the female were taken into custody, according to police.

Following a search of Donello, Sanchez and their vehicle, officers found:

• About $2,400 in cash
• 21.18 grams of marijuana, which has an estimated street value of $300
• 15.5 grams of hashish, which has an estimated street value of $300
• A digital scale
• A glass smoking device
• Rolling papers and small plastic bags

Donello was charged with possession with the intent to deliver a controlled substance, delivery of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and conspiracy to commit the previously stated offenses, according to police.

Sanchez, who according to the arrest warrant admitted to officers that he was in business with Donello to distribute marijuana, was charged with possession with the intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and conspiracy to commit the previously stated offenses.

It is not known if any charges will be filed against the juvenile female.

The men were arraigned before District Judge James Narlesky and sent to Northampton County Prison in lieu of $15,000 bail each.