Drug defendants' cases in court
SCRANTON - Five area residents charged last week in connection with a Midvalley cocaine trafficking operation are now making their way through the criminal justice system.
David Klem, 31, of Olyphant; Charles Yaskulski, 43, of Tunkhannock; Eric Gruzesky, 39, of Scranton; Joseph Topa Jr., 37, of Jessup; and Corey Carrera, 38, of Olyphant, appeared before Magisterial District Judge Laura Turlip on Friday.
Mr. Yaskulski, the owner of a now-shuttered used-car warranty company, waived his preliminary hearing, Deputy Attorney General Timothy Doherty said.
Mr. Klem - the owner of the Clocktower at LaRussa's restaurant in Olyphant - Mr. Topa and Mr. Gruzesky had their preliminary hearings continued to April 26. Mr. Carrera waived his hearing.