A Jim Thorpe, Penn Forest Township man, was found guilty on Friday by a Carbon County jury of five drug counts, including charges of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.

Jessie James, 50, was charged after a drug investigation by the state Attorney General’s office and Carbon County drug task force in which investigators made controlled buys from James near his home.

He was found guilty of three counts of PWID, and one count each of criminal use of a communication facility, criminal conspiracy - PWID, and possession of a controlled substance. All the counts are felonies except the possession of a controlled substance count, which is a misdemeanor.

James was arrested after drug officers, using a confidential informant, made two purchases of drugs from James.

The first buy was made on Sept. 13, 2017, in the area of Bear View Drive and Behrens Road. In that buy the CI purchased cocaine from James.

A second buy was arranged by the CI with James for a Sept. 20, 2017, meeting in the same location. However, after the second sale was made, the white powdery substance James delivered to the CI did not test positive for cocaine but was a fake substance designed to mimic the appearance of cocaine, authorities said in the affidavit of probable cause.

On Nov. 11, 2019, another purchase was set up, this time to buy Percocet tablets from James. At 9:31 a.m. that day James was observed exiting the driveway of his home and was followed as he walked toward the agreed upon meeting location. James was then taken into custody without incident.

Agents involved in the investigation and the CI testified at the trial. James did not testify. The only person called by the defense was a neighbor as a character witness.

Judge Steven R. Serfass presided at the trial. The commonwealth was represented by Assistant District Attorney Robert S. Frycklund and James was represented by attorney Alexandria J. Crouthamel.

After the verdict was announced Frycklund moved to revoke James’ bail. Crouthamel objected and requested bail be set. Serfass conducted a bail hearing and denied bail for James stating that the “defendant poses a danger to the community.” James was then remanded to the county prison until he is sentenced.

The trial began with jury selection Thursday morning with testimony beginning about 30 minutes after the jury was seated. It continued into Friday.

Serfass deferred sentencing ordering the adult probation office to prepare a presentence investigation report.

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