Millheim, Pa. — What began as a domestic disturbance call in 2022 has now resulted in a massive drug case involving a Bellefonte resident. Following an extensive investigation, Jameson Whitehill, 41, has been charged with multiple drug offenses nearly three years after authorities first uncovered a large stash of narcotics in Centre County.
The 2022 Discovery
The incident dates back to November 27, 2022, when Pennsylvania State Police responded to a reported fight on the 100 block of Penn Street in Millheim. Upon arrival, Trooper Jacob Walker and another officer noticed a strong odor of marijuana coming from the residence.
The man involved in the altercation, identified as John Richard Johnstonbaugh III, then 44 and from Aaronsburg, fled the home carrying two containers. Inside, troopers found marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and suspected hashish in plain sight.
A search warrant later led to the seizure of:
- 10 ounces of marijuana
- 241 grams of THC wax
- 95 grams of hash
- 44 ounces of unidentified liquids and powders
Drugs Found in Storage Unit
Investigators also located a storage unit rented by Johnstonbaugh at Rud-Cor Storage. When officers searched the unit, they uncovered a far larger supply of illegal substances, including:
- 5.5 pounds of marijuana
- 163 grams of Delta-9 THC liquid
- 18 grams of MDMA
- 4 grams of ketamine
- 60 LSD acid strips
- 74 Clonazepam pills
- 221 Buprenorphine pills
- 70 Oxycodone pills
- 7 Amphetamine pills
- 5 pounds of hash
Despite the large quantity, no drug charges were filed against Johnstonbaugh. He was instead convicted of simple assault and sentenced to up to two years in prison.
Investigation Points to Another Suspect
During the prolonged investigation, police discovered shipping labels in the storage unit addressed to Jameson Whitehill of Bellefonte. This crucial evidence shifted the focus from Johnstonbaugh to Whitehill.
Massive Seizure at Bellefonte Home
On November 29, 2022, Trooper Walker and several officers executed a nighttime search warrant at Whitehill’s Bellefonte residence.
Upon entering, they detected a strong marijuana odor. Whitehill reportedly cooperated, handing over two duffle bags filled with drugs and leading officers to more hidden stashes. As per reports, the items seized included:
- 31 pounds of marijuana
- 286 grams of THC wax
- 488 grams of hash
- 1 ounce of psilocybin mushrooms
- $4,720 in cash
- Six cell phones
- Shipping boxes, labels, and paraphernalia
Officers also noted evidence of a marijuana cultivation setup, including grow lights, microwaves, and papers containing marijuana seeds.
Further analysis of Whitehill’s cell phones revealed messages about drug sales, specifying quantities, prices, and locations.
Charges Filed
On October 8, 2025, Whitehill was formally charged with:
- 10 counts of conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver a controlled substance
- 3 counts of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance
- 2 counts of possession of a controlled substance
- 1 count each of possession of drug paraphernalia and criminal use of a communication facility
Whitehill is free on $500,000 unsecured bail and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on October 15.
Should penalties for large-scale drug operations be tougher? Tell us what you think in the comments section.
