by: Bill Shannon
BEDFORD COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — A routine traffic stop in East Providence Township led to the arrest of a father and daughter duo who were caught with over a pound of methamphetamine and fentanyl in their vehicle. The pair, John Rickenbach Jr., 42, and his daughter Kayla Rickenbach, 23, both from Reading, were stopped Tuesday night after they were seen crossing the yellow line while driving on Lincoln Highway.
According to the criminal complaint, state troopers discovered that John had outstanding warrants from Berks County. Further investigation revealed that Kayla had previously been involved in another drug bust on the Fourth of July.
When troopers stopped the vehicle, a strong odor of marijuana was detected. On the center console, officers found a tray with marijuana, and upon further questioning, John explained they were headed to Bedford County Prison to visit Kayla’s boyfriend before traveling to Maryland for a week.
Both John and Kayla consented to a vehicle search. Inside, police uncovered several bags of marijuana, empty plastic bags, and nearly $2,700 in cash. However, the most alarming discovery came when troopers found two zip-tied bags secured under the vehicle’s spare tire. One bag contained over a pound of methamphetamine, and the other held a half-pound of purple fentanyl.
Kayla was also found in possession of a baggie of cocaine during her arrest. Both individuals were taken to the Bedford State Police Barracks, where they were arraigned and charged with drug possession with intent to deliver. Their bail was set at $500,000 each.
This bust highlights ongoing concerns about the trafficking of highly dangerous substances like fentanyl and methamphetamine in the region.