Man formerly accused of dealing heroin sees charges dropped
Prosecutors withdrew multiple charges against a Butler man they had previously linked to a large amount of heroin.
Jase W. Charlton, 25, was transported for a preliminary hearing Monday before District Judge William Fullerton. Charlton had been released on his own recognizance in the case, but was brought from Butler County Prison, where he has been incarcerated for unrelated reasons.
Charlton was charged with two felony counts of drugs sales and misdemeanor drug possession heading into Monday, but instead all three were withdrawn.
Assistant District Attorney Robert Zanella made the motion to the court. Zanella did not wish to comment following the proceeding.
Almost one year ago, Charlton was charged along with a co-defendant, William Porter IV, related to more than 900 stamp bags of heroin allegedly found in an illegally parked car.
Porter’s case has advanced to the Butler County Common Pleas Court, where he is scheduled for a hearing Feb. 23 before Judge Kelley Streib.
At some point in late 2021, Charlton’s case was withdrawn. Butler City Police refiled the charges Dec. 19.
Charlton’s attorney, J.W. Hernandez-Cuebas, said he was not sure why the charges were withdrawn. He said he did not wish to comment further on the case.