Two Franklin men have been charged after police said they consistently bought materials commonly used in the production of methamphetemine.
A criminal complaint filed through district judge Andrew Fish’s office said Lt. Darin Baker with Sugarcreek Borough police was alerted by the True Value store on Route 8 that there were several people coming in to buy the same items to make methamphetemine.
On Nov. 10, Baker was told that 24-year-old Steven Marshall bought a gallon of camping fuel and a pack of AA lithium batteries, the complaint said.
Tyler Johnson, 23, purchased two packages of drain opener on the same day, the complaint said.
Marshall returned Dec. 1 and bought drain opener and AA lithium batteries, according to the complaint.
Baker was told later that day that they both were back in the store, the complaint said.
Baker observed Johnson leaving the store in a black truck and he followed him to Front Street, where he was pulled over, the complaint said.
Marshall was identified as the driver and Johnson was found on the rear passenger side, according to the complaint.
Copies of the receipts from True Value were faxed to Baker and it showed that Marshall had just bought AA lithium batteries and Johnson had bought drain opener, the complaint said.
Both men have been charged with a single felony count of possession of red phosphorus.
Johnson was arraigned Monday before Fish and placed in the Venango County jail after failing to post $25,000 bail.
Marshall is also being housed in the Venango County jail on $25,000 bail after being arraigned Tuesday before district judge Patrick Lowrey.
Both are scheduled to have preliminary hearings Dec. 14 in Central Court.
