The investigation, led by Detective Kim Lippincott of the Monroe County Office of the District Attorney began in April and came to a conclusion yesterday when Lippincott along with members of the Monroe County Drug Task Force (including officers from Pocono Township Police, Pocono Mountain Regional Police and the District Attorney’s Office), and Pennsylvania State Police arrived at the hotel armed with search warrants.
The search warrant executed on room 224 resulted in the arrests of Petrizzo, Young, and Benjamin. A thorough search of the hotel room was conducted and revealed that they were in possession of four bricks of heroin, an ounce of methamphetamine, and a small amount of crack cocaine. Additionally, they located several cell phones, and $566.
After the search of room 224, detectives went looking for Shannon Wheaton, whom they located in room 144. Detectives then executed a search warrant on her room as well.
All four were taken into custody where they were read their Miranda rights and all admitted to their illegal activities that they were partaking in at the hotel.
Petrizzo admitted to officers that she had been selling drugs for approximately 9 months to a year in Monroe County. Petrizzo admitted to traveling to New Jersey 2-3 times per week to obtain upwards to 10-15 bricks of heroin in each trip. Petrizzo said that she was selling drugs to support her own habits and to make money since she became homeless.
The defendants in this case were arraigned by MDJ Michael Muth with the following result:
Petrizzo, $25,000 secured bail.
Young, $5,000 secured bail.
Wheaton, $10,000 unsecured bail.
Benjamin, $5,000 secured bail.
Petrizzo, Young, and Benjamin are all being held at the Monroe County Correctional Facility unable to post bail. Shannon Wheaton has been released from jail.
All defendants are scheduled to appear before MDJ Brian Germano on June 22, 2022.
Attached are criminal complaints and mugshots of each defendant.
For questions contact Detective Kim Lippincott at 570-517-3059 or email Kim at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Eric J. Kerchner | Chief County Detective
Office of the District Attorney
Criminal Investigation Division | Monroe County Drug Task Force
701 Main Street, Suite 100, Stroudsburg PA 18360-2073
Desk: 570-517-3109 | Fax: 570-517-3825
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Web page: www.monroecountyda.com
