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Law enforcement raids North Huntingdon lounge
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Law enforcement in Westmoreland County shut down a North Huntingdon lounge and arrested three people after police said a three-month undercover investigation uncovered prostitution and rampant drug activity.
Gloria's Cantina Lounge was raided by around 30 officers and detectives from several agencies -- including the North Huntingdon Police Department, the state police vice unit, the Westmoreland County District Attorney's Drug Task Force and Liquor Control Enforcement -- at around 10:30 p.m. Thursday. Police also served three arrest warrants on employees of the bar: Nathan Edward Moore, 34, of McKeesport, Ashley Nicole Campbell, 30, of East Pittsburgh and Selene Amber Vicini, 35, of McKeesport.
State police said officers from the vice unit posed as customers during their investigation into the bar. They purchased cocaine from Mr. Moore, who is charged with six counts of possession with intent to deliver and delivery of a controlled substance. They said they also bought Vicodin pills from Ms. Campbell, a bartender, who is charged with one count of possession and delivery of a controlled substance. Ms. Vicini is charged with prostitution, but police did not detail what led to her arrest in the news release.
Police seized video equipment, condoms and address books in the search. North Huntingdon police Sergeant Jeffrey Bouldin said more charges may be forthcoming as a patron was found with a controlled substance and an employee with a switchblade.
The Westmoreland County District Attorney's office successfully filed for an injunction to have the bar closed, Sergeant Bouldin said. A hearing on the injunction is scheduled for Tuesday.
First Published November 9, 2012 6:39 pm
