Joint investigation leads to cocaine seizure and two arrests

MILFORD, PA – The early morning execution of a search warrant at a motel just outside Milford, Pennsylvania on Wednesday led to the arrests of two Port Jervis residents on drug charges.

The joint investigation by the Pike County District Attorney’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police Vice unit and Port Jervis Police led to the seizure of just under one-half kilogram of cocaine, a digital scale, and items used to cut cocaine for sale, as well as several pills suspected to be ecstasy.

Police charged Kevin Washington, 52, and Ashley Nellums, 34, with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, cocaine, and criminal conspiracy, both as felonies.

Nellums was also charged with flight to avoid apprehension, trial or punishment, a felony, because police learned that she was wanted on a parole violation warrant from the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. She was on parole for a prior conviction in Pike County Court for delivery of a controlled substance.

Both Washington and Nellums were arraigned and remanded with bail set at $5 million each.

Pike District Attorney Raymond Tonkin said assisting in the investigation were the Pike County Sheriff’s Office and the Orange County Drug Task Force.

“The continued partnership between law enforcement from the tri-state area is leading to a safer community by removing drugs from the streets,” said Tonkin. “Drug dealers should know that they will not be able to hide across state boundaries to ply their trade.”