Milford, Pa.-Pike County District Attorney Ray Tonkin and Wayne County District Attorney A.G. Howell announced a joint effort in two separate drug trafficking investigations. The first case led to an arrest and the seizure of over twelve ounces of cocaine and firearms.  The second case led to an arrest and the seizure of over eight ounces of methamphetamine.

In the first case, after a two-month long investigation, investigators from both district attorney’s offices along with deputy sheriffs from Pike County arrested Gustave Debree, IV in Lackawaxen Township, Pike County as he arrived to deliver cocaine to an individual, after investigators obtained a sealed search warrant from Pike County President Judge Gregory H. Chelak.

After Debree was taken into custody, investigators obtained a sealed search warrant from Wayne County President Judge Janine Edwards for Debree’s residence in Paupack Township.  Investigators from both district attorneys’ offices along with Wayne County Sheriff deputies and the Lehigh Township Police K9 unit then served a search warrant at a residence located at 9 Ridge Crest Drive, Lakeville PA, on March 2, 2026. 

According to the affidavit of probable cause filed in support of the charges, investigators located over twelve ounces of cocaine, and numerous drug paraphernalia items, including a scale and unused plastic baggies used for packing cocaine. While searching the residence for cocaine, investigators observed firearms.  Based upon the previous criminal record of Debree, investigators obtained a second search warrant from Magisterial District Judge Jessica Ellis to seize the firearms.

Based upon the second search warrant, investigators seized six firearms, including a 9 mm pistol, a tactical shotgun as well as other rifles and shotguns.

Investigators charged[1] Gustave Debree, IV, age 52, of Lakeville, PA, with one count of Possession with Intent to Deliver a controlled substance, Criminal Use of a Communication Facility, Conspiracy to Commit Possession with Intent to Deliver, and 6 counts of Person not to Possess Firearms, all felonies.

After his arrest, Debree complained of chest pains and had to be transported to a hospital.  With the closest hospital to Milford in New York State, the ambulance transported Debree into New York.  Investigators obtained a warrant for his arrest and after Debree was released later that night, and after being medically cleared, he was taken into custody by the New York State Police and remanded to the Orange County Jail in Goshen, NY.

Debree waived extradition and will be returned to Pike County for a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Ashley Zimmerman.

In the second case, investigators from both district attorney’s offices, along with the Pennsylvania State Police, Wayne County Sheriff’s Office and the Lehigh Township K9 unit served search warrants at a residence located at 47 East Road, Hawley PA and upon a vehicle on March 4, 2026.  The search of the vehicle revealed over eight ounces of methamphetamine.

After the investigation, investigators charged[2] Ryan Cartwright, age 37, of Hawley, PA. Cartwright is charged with one count of Possession with Intent to Deliver a controlled substance, and Conspiracy to Commit Possession with Intent to Deliver, both felonies.  According to the criminal complaint and affidavit of probable cause, the investigators served a search warrant on Cartwright’s residence, 47 East Road, Hawley. Cartwright had just left the residence and was located in the Hamlin area by the Pennsylvania State Police. During an interview, Cartwright admitted to having a quantity of methamphetamine in a wooden box located in his vehicle. Cartwright admitted to selling methamphetamine for several months and had just conducted a sale prior to getting arrested.

Investigators served a search warrant on Cartwright’s Black Ford 150 and located approximately 250 grams of methamphetamine. The street value of the methamphetamine is estimated at $12,500.00.

Cartwright was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Ashley Zimmerman and incarcerated in the Pike County Correctional Facility. Bail was set at $100,000.00.

Cartwright will be scheduled for a preliminary hearing in Pike County Central Court.

Pike District Attorney Tonkin credited the joint efforts of his office along with District Attorney Howell’s Office. “Our offices have been working together to investigate and arrest those that deal drugs in both counties.  Criminals travel across boundary lines and our joint cooperation will ensure that law enforcement investigate and apprehend them wherever they go in Pike and Wayne Counties.”  “The cooperation among all agencies involved was outstanding and we will continue this partnership.”

Wayne District Attorney Howell added, “The collaboration between our offices to investigate, apprehend and prosecute drug dealers is essential to continue to combat the flow of illegal drugs in and through NEPA.”

Anyone with information on drug dealing in Pike County can call 570-296-3482 and ask for a county detective.

Anyone with information on drug dealing in Wayne County can call Wayne County Chief Detective, Peter Hower, 570-253-5970 x 2255, or anonymous tips to 570-391-0657.