A Monroe County man has been arrested in connection with drug dealing and owning/operating a chop shop.

David Frantz Jr., 35, of Blakeslee, faces charges on counts of owning/operating a chop shop; theft by unlawful taking or disposition; receiving stolen property; criminal mischief; criminal conspiracy; possession of drug paraphernalia; loitering and prowling at night time; possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance; and flight to avoid apprehension.

Malvin Meckes Jr., 36, of Blakeslee, faces charges on hindering apprehension and prosecution.

According to an affidavit of probable cause filed by the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department:

At 6 p.m. July 9, Pennsylvania Board of Parole and Probation Agents went to the 100 block of Rocky Lane in Blakeslee to speak with Frantz.

After the agents identified themselves, the man who was later identified as Frantz took off running.

While parole and probation agents were at the residence, they noticed a large amount of power tools, trailers and vehicles in the garage and on the property.

Agents obtained several of the serial numbers and vehicle identification numbers off the motor vehicle and supplied them to detectives with the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department.

Detectives then ran the VIN number of a Dodge Durango and learned that the vehicle was stolen on June 17 from the Pittston Township area.

Regional police then secured the residence while detectives prepared a search warrant.

Police also learned that there was an active arrest warrant for Frantz out of Lehighton Borough.

During this time, police learned that Frantz was at his cousin Malvin Meckes Jr.’s residence in Blakeslee.

Police then responded and surrounded the home and were able to make contact with Meckes, 36, who said that Frantz was not there, but had stopped by around 6 a.m. that day.

Meckes then gave permission to search the residence.

Frantz was not located within, but police did locate Frantz hiding in thick bushes next to the residence.

Frantz was found to have methamphetamine, a hypodermic needle and $2,400 cash consistent with street level methamphetamine dealing on him.

Detectives then received approval of the search warrant for the residence, and found a Bri-mar dump trailer located in the garage area that was reported stolen on June 21 from the Allentown area.

Also in the garage was a Kawasaki ATV stolen from Carbon County.

It appeared that Frantz was using the residence and garage area to operate a chop shop.

Upon searching the residence, officers located several items of drug paraphernalia.

Upon further investigation, officers learned that Frantz was involved in stealing a 1996 Chevrolet pickup from the Pocono Summit area.

The truck was later located damaged in a swamp area of Stonecrest Park Development.

Frantz was video arraigned by District Judge Richard Claypool on Monday.

He is scheduled to have a preliminary hearing at 10 a.m. July 26 before Claypool of Pocono Pines.

Meckes was taken into custody by the Pennsylvania State Police for an unrelated incident.

He will be charged with hindering apprehension and prosecution for this incident.

Meckes is scheduled to have a preliminary hearing at 10 a.m. Aug. 24 before District Judge Colleen Mancuso of Brodheadsville.