Police Blotter

AVOCA – Police on Tuesday charged John J. Leschinski, 39, of Pittston, with possessing heroin that was discovered during a traffic stop on Jan. 4.

Police said Leschinski was stopped when he was observed driving on York Avenue. Police said they were aware Leschinski's driver's license was suspended due to a prior drunken-driving conviction.

During the traffic stop, police allege they found 10 heroin packets inside the vehicle. A search warrant was issued for the vehicle, resulting in the discovery of 100 heroin packets, police said.

Leschinski was charged with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and driving with a suspended license.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled on Feb. 27.

WILKES-BARRE TWP. – Township police reported the following:

• A preliminary hearing is scheduled Jan. 30 for Kari Ann McCoy, 24, of Pittston, on a retail theft charge. Township police allege McCoy stole $123 worth of merchandise from Kohl's Department Store, Wilkes-Barre Township Boulevard, on Dec. 14.

The charge was filed with District Judge Michael Dotzel.

• A preliminary hearing is scheduled Jan. 30 for Colleen Loendorf, 35, of Greenfield Township, on a retail theft charge. Township police allege Loendorf stole $365 worth of merchandise from Macy's Department Store, Wyoming Valley Mall, on Dec. 20.

The charge was filed with District Judge Michael Dotzel.