Lawrence County District Attorney’s Office

06/06/2026

06/05/2026

05/25/2026

On Memorial Day, we remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. If not for their courage and selflessness, the freedoms we enjoy today would not be possible. Today, we honor their memory and remain forever grateful to those who gave everything for this country. 🇺🇸

05/15/2026

For those who knew Jerry McCarthy, he wasn’t just a police officer but someone who truly cared about his community and helping others.

05/02/2026

Today we remember Detective William “Jerry” McCarthy IV, who passed away in the line of duty on May 2, 2013. He dedicated his life to protecting this community, always doing so with a smile and a kind word. The impact he left continues to be felt 13 years later, a testament to the way he carried himself on and off duty. His service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

05/01/2026

An assistant district attorney, a state trooper and a Neshannock Township police officer were honored for their commitment to survivors of sexual violence at a program presented by Arise Lawrence

04/15/2026

The Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents of an ongoing phone scam.

Scammers are impersonating Sheriff’s Deputies or Federal Court Officials, claiming you missed federal jury duty and have a warrant for your arrest. They may provide fake case numbers and pressure you to stay on the phone while directing you to withdraw money or pay using:

• Gift cards
• Wire transfers
• Cryptocurrency

Know this:

• Courts will NEVER demand payment over the phone
• Law enforcement will NEVER ask for gift cards or crypto
• Federal jury notices are sent ONLY by U.S. Mail

If you receive a call:

• Hang up immediately
• Do NOT give any personal or financial information
• Report it to your local law enforcement

04/10/2026

HIDTA Operation White Castle

On 04/09/2026, members of the Lawrence County District Attorney’s Office HIDTA Drug Task Force, the PA Office of Attorney General, and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Group 66 executed a narcotics search warrant at 750 Castle Street, New Castle, PA. Detectives secured the residence and detained several individuals found in the house.

One of the occupants, Ben Tolbert, was found to be in possession of the following:
• A baggie containing suspected heroin/fentanyl (4.2 g);
• A baggie containing suspected crack co***ne (13.5 g);
• R***r LCP .380 that had previously been reported stolen; and
• $40 in U.S. currency

Investigators conducted a methodical search of the residence and located the following narcotics within:
• 22.5 g of suspected heroin/fentanyl;
• 42.2 g of suspected co***ne/crack co***ne
• 14.5 g of suspected methamphetamine
• 21 Suboxone strips
• 107.8 g of various gabapentin pills
• 21.4 g of suspected ma*****na
• 24 various THC cartridges

Detectives also searched a gray Nissan sedan parked in front of the residence and located additional controlled substances:
• Baggie containing five oxycodone hydrochloride pills (3.5 g);
• 3.0 g of suspected co***ne; and
• 6 g of suspected ma*****na.

Three other individuals, Justin Pannutti, Matthew Jones, and Maranda Bookamer, found within the house were lodged in the Lawrence County Jail on outstanding bench warrants. Mr. Tolbert was also lodged in LCJ on a Pennsylvania State Parole detainer and was charged with persons not to possess fi****ms, receiving stolen property, and multiple counts of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.

04/09/2026

HIDTA Operation - Complaint House 10/1/55

On Tuesday April 7th, members of the Lawrence County HIDTA Drug Task Force with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration Group 66 executed a search warrant on the residence located at 435 Wampum Avenue, Ellwood City, Pennsylvania.

Upon making entry into the residence, the suspect, Daniel Norton, was located and detained. Norton was taken into custody on an active Lawrence County Bench Warrant. He was later transported and lodged in the Lawrence County Jail as a result of the bench warrant.

During a subsequent search of the residence, the following evidence was seized and/or photographed:

$300.00 US currency
6.0 gross grams of suspected crystal methamphetamine
9.0 gross grams of suspected fentanyl
Numerous pieces of drug paraphernalia, including used syringes, burnt spoons and glass methamphetamine pipes

As a result of the evidence seized during the search, Daniel Norton will be charged with violations of the Pennsylvania Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act, including two counts of Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance.