$120K worth of crystal meth found in Salem Township couple's home, police say

A Salem Township couple who allegedly had more than 2 pounds of methamphetamine worth $120,000 in their home were charged with multiple drug offenses Thursday, authorities said.

Richard E. “Dicky” Bellora, 49, and Kari L Pampena, 43, are accused of operating a crystal methamphetamine distribution organization out of Bellora's home on Story Road. They were arraigned before Washington Township District Judge Jason Buczak and ordered held in the Westmoreland County Prison after failing to post $250,000 bond each.

Authorities said they also confiscated $17,280, a .40 caliber handgun, a digital scale and a loaded rifle from the home.

The investigation began in early January after officers received information from a confidential informant that “Bellora was selling large amounts of methamphetamine,” according to the affidavit filed by Delmont police Patrolman Jacob Cholock and Michael Kanuch, an agent with the state Attorney General's Office.

“During the course of the investigation, officers and agents learned that Bellora was obtaining large amounts of crystal methamphetamine from an out-of-state supplier. Agents learned that the crystal methamphetamine was then distributed by Bellora to persons in and around the Export and Delmont areas,” Cholock wrote in the affidavit of probable cause.

Police said that they learned the distribution operation had been going on since at least September.

Cholock reported in court documents that police made controlled purchases from Bellora using confidential informants before executing a search warrant at the home about 6 a.m. Thursday.

Investigators said the methamphetamine was found in multiple packages “wrapped in black duct tape” inside a safe in the master bedroom of Bellora's home.

“This was a cooperative investigation involving many departments,” said Delmont police Chief T.J. Klobucar.

Members of the attorney general's drug task force, Delmont and Murrysville police, and state police assisted in the investigation, according to court documents.

Pampena, who covered her face with her coat as she was led into Buczak's office for arraignment, told the judge during the proceeding that she had lived in Delmont and Murrysville, and moved in with Bellora about a month ago.

She began to sob after learning that Buczak set her bond at $250,000 straight cash.

Paul Peirce is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at 724-850-2860, ppeirce@tribweb.com or via Twitter @ppeirce_trib.