Drug Investigations in Swissvale Lead to Several Arrests

Several people are facing charges this month after drug operations performed by Swissvale police in conjunction with the District Attorney Narcotics Enforcement Team. 

Many suspects—including a UPMC security officer who is accused of being involved in a drug deal—went before Forest Hills District Judge Thomas Caulfield last week.

Here's a roundup:

• Shawn Edward Fitzpatrick, 29, of Brookline; and John Chicchitello, 45, of Swissvale, waived preliminary hearings on charges of conspiracy and intent to possess a controlled substance. Fitzpatrick—a UPMC security guard who was uniformed during the incident—also was charged with conspiracy. Swissvale police filed the charges after they witnessed a drug deal on Monongahela Avenue on June 12. Two others—Jamie Betten and Cathy Montalbano of Swissvale—also were charged during the incident. Their hearings are scheduled for June 26.
• William J. Reagan, 35, of Latrobe, waived a preliminary hearing on charges of intent to possess a controlled substance; manufacturing, delivering and possessing a controlled substance; and two counts of conspiracy after a June 11 drug deal on Miriam Street.
• Brandon Simola, 33, of New Stanton, waived a preliminary hearing on charges of tampering with evidence, intent to possess a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and criminal use of a communication facility. He is accused of being involved in a drug transaction at the Edgewood Towne Centre and attempting to throw heroin out of a car window after being confronted by police on June 13.
• Kyle Clem, 22, of Derry, waived a preliminary hearing on charges of intent to possess a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia after a June 10 incident on the Parkway East near the Churchill interchange. Police found 17 bags of suspected heroin in his shoe.