Police: Kittanning woman jailed in connection with meth sale during sting operation in Leechburg
State police accused a woman of being a drug dealer after police say an informant bought methamphetamine from her in Leechburg two years ago.
Debbie Ann Russo, 44, of the 1000 block of Johnston Avenue in Kittanning, was charged with a felony count of possession of drugs with the intent to deliver along with counts of possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia.
Russo is being detained in the Armstrong County Jail in lieu of a $25,000 cash bond. She faces a preliminary hearing May 18 before District Judge James Andring.
State police had an informant contact Russo on Aug. 19, 2020, to arrange to buy methamphetamine, according to a criminal complaint.
The informant was given $100 in marked bills and dropped off about noon along Market Street, where she waited for Russo, the complaint said.
Investigators said Russo was seen handing the informant a small baggie in exchange for the cash.
After the transaction, the drug was sent to a state police crime lab, where it tested positive for methamphetamine, the complaint said.
Tony LaRussa is a TribLive reporter. A Pittsburgh native, he covers crime and courts in the Alle-Kiski Valley. He can be reached at tlarussa@triblive.com.
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