University Place Man Charged With Possessing, Dealing Ecstasy

Authorities have charged a 24-year-old University Place man with allegedly possessing and dealing ecstasy after police say they found more than 900 pills in his pockets.

Police arrested James M. Reha last week at his University Place home. He was booked into Pierce County Jail and charged with illegal possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver. His next scheduled court appearance is later this month.

According to University Place Police Chief Mike Blair, the state Department of Corrections intercepted a converstation that prompted them to investigate whether Reha was actively dealing ecstasy.

Reha is already supervised by the state because of a prior conviction for dealing narcotics.

Deputies and DOC officers went to Reha's home to perform a compliance check. According to Blair, "$2500 in cash and over 900 ecstasy pills were discovered in his pockets. Reha made statements about how screwed he was and was booked for delivery of narcotics."

This isn't the first time Reha has been suspected of dealing narcotics. He has five prior felony convictions for delivery of narcotics, first-degree burglary and felony theft, Blair said.

During his arrest, authorities obtained a search warrant for more drugs at his home. Altogether, the street value of the drugs found at Reha's residence is between $7,000 and $10,000, Blair said.

Patch will have more on this story as it develops.