SHAMOKIN DAM, Pa. – A simple favor to drive a neighbor to a medical appointment escalated into a criminal conspiracy involving drugs, threats, and a stolen rental car, authorities say.
Austin Lee Smith, 26, is now facing multiple charges including felony theft, conspiracy, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, and making false statements, stemming from the April 16 incident.
The investigation began on April 18, when a man reported a rental car stolen after loaning it to Smith. According to police, Smith had claimed the 2024 Nissan Sentra was used for a doctor’s visit, but officers later discovered it was rented to facilitate a crack cocaine transaction.
Court documents reveal that two Philadelphia men, Jerome Lucas Jr., 34, and Shamar Darrell Allison, 21, arrived at Smith’s apartment the night before the theft. They asked Smith if he would help them rent a vehicle for drug trafficking. Although Smith initially declined, he later persuaded a friend to rent the vehicle.
Surveillance showed the suspects taking the rental car and using it to obtain drugs. Text messages confirmed Allison acquired crack cocaine and asked Smith for gas money. The next day, tensions escalated when the drugs allegedly went missing, leading to verbal threats and accusations. Smith claimed Allison and Lucas had gang affiliations and threatened to shoot up his home.
The situation further deteriorated when the vehicle was spotted at a local park. Lucas allegedly fled with the car, and Allison is said to have pointed a gun at the original renter when he tried to intervene.
Police say Smith initially lied during questioning, stating the issue involved marijuana, not crack cocaine. He later admitted to knowing about the drug deal and smoking crack with the victim. Texts retrieved by police confirmed the exchange of drugs and threats.
Allison was arrested on May 23 and faces 23 charges including robbery, conspiracy, and terroristic threats. Lucas also faces robbery and theft charges and is currently wanted.
Smith’s bail was set at $5,000 unsecured by District Judge Scott A. Zeigler.
