Two Busted in Conestoga High School-Related Drug Sting

It's a drug bust story that starts with a student getting sick on drug-laced food and ends with text messages that led investigators to two accused drug dealers.

According to a press release from Tredyffrin Police, a student at Conestoga High School got sick after eating (unspecified) drug-laced food last Thursday, May 17. That incident led to an investigation into the source of the drugs.  According to police, a phone number then led detectives to set up a drug buy via text message.

On Friday, May 18, Tredyffrin an undercover officer contacted the suspected drug dealer and spoke about prices and times for a meet. Detectives were then directed by text messages to a car in the parking lot of the Daylesford Train Station.

Tredyffrin Police say when Detective Brian Hughes and Officer Joseph Butler got to the car, they "saw a bag (of) marijuana in plain view of both subjects."

Justin Mendenhall, 19, of Exton and Katelyn Anne Jennings, 20, of Burgoyne Court in Wayne were arrested. 

Mendnehall and Jennings were arraigned Friday night on charges including:

• Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance ( Felony)
• Possession of a Controlled or Counterfeit Substance (Misdemeanor)
• Criminal Conspiracy (Felony) 
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Criminal Use of a Communications Facility (Felony)

Mendenhall was held on $5,000 bail but was released from the Chester County Jail after posting (the standard) 10 percent in cash. Jennings was releaed on $5,000 undecured bond, which means she would only have to pay the bail if she fails to show up for the case when it comes to court.

Mendnehall and Jennings are scheduled for a preliminary hearing Wednesday morning in District Court 15 in Devon.

Tredyffrin Police Superintendent Anthony Giaimo says the arrests send an important message. “The Tredyffrin Township Police Department wishes to send a very strong message to those who sell illegal drugs, especially to our kids…. we have zero tolerance. Those who wish to continue in this course of action do so at their own risk of arrest and incarceration. We pursue these cases to the fullest extent of the law.”

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