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Long Pond shooting victim accused of drug dealing

Police in Monroe County say a violent home invasion was not random, and is now believed to be connected to the drug trade.

They now plan to file charges against the victim and another man from Pocono Pines for the alleged sale of marijuana, LSD and psilocybin mushrooms.

Pocono Mountain Regional Police on Friday announced that charges are pending against the victim, 23-year-old Michael Saunders of Long Pond, and 24-year-old Ryan Tolley of Pocono Pines.

The shooter or shooters in the case is still at large. However police say that they believe it was a targeted attack and there is no danger to the public.

Regardless, they are asking residents of the Emerald Lakes community to stay vigilant and notify Pocono Mountain Regional Police of any suspicious activity.

Saunders was shot in a violent home invasion Tuesday at a home on Glade drive in the Emerald Lakes community.

According to a news release from PMRPD, evidence of illegal marijuana trafficking was found inside the home. They obtained a search warrant and seized marijuana-related waxes and edibles, LSD, psilocybin mushrooms and other substances. They also found devices to weigh and package the drugs, cash, and cellphones containing information about alleged drug transactions.

Saunders was arrested after he was released from a hospital on September 22.

That day, they executed another search warrant at a home on Pine Road in Pocono Pines. They allegedly found marijuana, cocaine, as well as marijuana butter, oils and edibles.

Also recovered from the house were two handguns and an AR-15 rifle.

The estimated value of the drugs found in the home is $26,000 according to police.

Police said that they continue to investigate the shooting of Saunders, and additional arrests are expected.