Pocono News Section

19 Arrested In "Operation Clean Sweep"

19 Arrested In "Operation Clean Sweep" - Thursday, October 11, 2007 at 8:45PM EST

Reported by: Jill Konopka
Thursday, Oct 11, 2007 @08:45pm EST
KINGSTON, LUZERNE COUNTY- He holds a public position in Jenkins Township, but on Thursday he was one of several people charged in "Operation Clean Sweep."

Kingston Borough, county and state authorities say they issued 21 drug warrants for suspected drug dealers. One of those arrested is a full time firefighter. Whether you're selling illegal narcotics or trying to get your hands on fake prescriptions for pain pills, police say you are breaking the law and they will find you.

One by one, suspected drug users and dealers were pulled from their homes, work, even jail, and hauled in to Kingston's police station Thursday morning. Included was Kenneth Rudda, a career firefighter and E.M.T with Jenkins Township. Captain John Jorda with the Kingston Police Department said, "It had nothing to do with his arrest, not on duty when it happened, it just so happens to be where he's employed."

Court papers show Rudda tried to pick up a fake prescription of vicodin at Walgreen's for his Fiancé Michelle Popish last February. Captain Jorda added, "Whether you use or sell drugs, go into pharmacies and illegally obtain prescription medication with a fraudulent prescription we're going to arrest you, you're in the same group of people."

Rudda confessed to the illegal act admitting his girlfriend is addicted to the painkiller. Police charged her too, saying she called the fake script in, pretending to be his (Rudda's) Mother.

Keri Esser works at a tanning salon in Jenkins Township and said, "I think you have a responsibility to the city and the township you work for. You make a mistake and you put your career and integrity of work n the line and you break morals, it makes em' look terrible."

Some who live and work in town say there's no excuse for this firefighter's fall. Rudda's co-workers wouldn't talk to us on camera, but they say he's a quiet guy and they're shocked. One of the township’s three supervisors say they're unsure of Rudda's future, but they'll keep the public's safety at the forefront. Some say Rudda should be fired.

Keri Esser added, "Oh yes, to be honest, you make mistakes, given prescription drugs, illegal, who knows what else is going on, it could impair your work."

Both Rudda and his fiancee were arraigned in front of District Judge Paul Roberts. As of late, Kingston police say they are still looking for two people charged in Operation Clean Sweep.