CHESTER COUNTY, Pa. – A State Police Trooper based in Chester County faces several charges after he is caught buying cocaine from a confidential informant. Trooper Jose Israel Lebron, 37, of Reading, assigned to the Vice Unit of Troop J, Avondale, has been suspended without pay.
The confidential informant or CI, told investigators that he/she had been purchasing cocaine and pills for Lebron for several months. Each of purchases of cocaine were typically from 1/16 of a gram to an “eight ball” of cocaine. The CI also stated that he/she had seen Lebron use cocaine on several occasions at various locations in the state and in Delaware.
During the week of August 7th, investigators met with the CI for the purpose of having him/her meet with Lebron for the purpose of settling a debt from a shorted cocaine purchase. Lebron agreed to meet with the CI at his/her residence. Lebron showed up in assigned State Police issued vehicle, a gold 2016 Subaru Legacy. The CI gave Lebron money provided by the investigators. The CI then Lebron that he knew a dealer whose supplies were of superior quality and could also supply him with pills. The CI told Lebron that the supplier lived on a local mushroom farm. Lebron then asked if the dealer could get him an “eight ball”. Later, after investigators had supplied the CI with quantities of cocaine, a meeting was setup in the area of McDonald’s parking lot at the New Garden Shopping Center in New Garden Township, Chester County.
At about 6:20 p.m. Lebron, driving the Subaru, appeared. After driving around the parking lot awhile, he met with the CI, who gave him 3.5 grams of cocaine. Lebron then instructed the CI to go to the Ollie’s parkng lot and he would give him the money for the cocaine. After handing the CI the money Lebron cash, he drove away. He then stopped by State Police and taken into custody.
Charges against Lebron include Criminal Use of Communication Facility, Possession of Controlled or Counterfeit Substance, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Lebron was arraigned and released after posting bail. He faces a preliminary hearing later this month.
