Crime & Safety

UPMC Security Officer from Brookline Arrested on Drug Charges

Four people, including a UPMC security guard from Brookline, face charges after a drug bust in Swissvale Wednesday afternoon.

This article was written by Heidi Dezayas and posted by Erin Faulk.

Four people, including a UPMC security guard, face charges after a drug bust in Swissvale Wednesday afternoon.

Shawn Edward Fitzpatrick, 30, of Brookline, is accused of performing a drug transaction in full uniform, including wearing his gun, according to a spokesman with the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office.

Fitzpatrick and three others—John Cicchitello, Cathy Montalbano and Jamie Betten of Swissvale—were arrested on drug charges, specifically heroin possession. 

The arrest was the result of a District Attorney Narcotics Enforcement Team (DANET) operation with assistance from North Versailles and Swissvale police.

According to the criminal complaint filed at Forest Hills District Judge Thomas Caulfield's office, police observed a drug transaction in an unmarked alley in Braddock. Fitzpatrick, the driver of the vehicle, proceeded to drive into Swissvale. Police pulled over the vehicle on Monongahela Avenue and found suspected heroin, drug paraphernalia, knives and Fitzpatrick's gun.

Fitzpatrick has been charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and criminal conspiracy. Charges for the other three still are being processed. All four will be arraigned in night court.


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