Reinstated drug counts sought vs. Outlaws Club member

OFF THE WIRE
Associated with cycling group, Muntz failed to uphold deal to plead guilty to three charges.

By Edward Lewis elewis@timesleader.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Staff Writer

State prosecutors filed a petition in Luzerne County Court seeking to reinstate all drug charges against a man associated with the Outlaws Motorcycle Club.

Robert Muntz, 42, of Sweet Valley and formerly of West Green Street, Nanticoke, failed to uphold a negotiated deal to plead guilty to two counts of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and a single count of illegal possession of a firearm, according to the petition filed by state Deputy Attorney General Tim Doherty.

Muntz had waived the charges to county court at a preliminary hearing on Jan. 27, when prosecutors under the negotiated deal withdrew two other counts of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, risking a catastrophe, causing a catastrophe and possession of chemicals used to manufacture methamphetamine.

Muntz opted for a jury trial instead of pleading guilty, which resulted in Doherty seeking to have all drug charges reinstated.

A judge must grant Doherty’s request.

Muntz is scheduled for trial in November, according to court records.

He was one of 22 people charged in March 2009 by the AG’s Bureau of Narcotics Investigation in Operation Avalanche, an investigation that targeted cocaine trafficking by several members of the Outlaws that had its clubhouse on North Main Street, Ashley. The clubhouse has since been condemned by Ashley officials.

Muntz’s residence in Nanticoke was one of four locations raided by undercover agents as a result of the investigation.

Authorities allegedly discovered 10 firearms, and chemicals and contraband used to manufacture methamphetamines in the West Green Street house. Muntz was convicted of a previous felony and was prohibited from owning or possessing firearms, according to the criminal complaint.

Edward Lewis, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 829-7196.

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