Crime & Safety

Three Arrested, Ecstasy Seized Following Investigation in Leesburg

A quarter-pound of the drug known as Molly, along with more than $11,000 in cash was found in home on Taymont Terrace NW.

Authorities snatched about four ounces of MDMA, or Ecstasy, and more than $11,000 in cash from a home in Leesburg Tuesday following an investigation by the Leesburg Police Department, the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Postal Service, according to the Leesburg Police.

Three people were arrested and charged in the case.

Investigators search a home on the 1700 block of Taymont Terrace NW Aug. 22 after coming to learn that a package with MDMA had been shipped to the address from China. During search, authorities found about a quarter-pound of MDMA, drug paraphernalia, several bags of marijuana, syringes and smoking devices believed to be for narcotics use.

MDMA – which in addition to Ecstasy also is known as Molly – is a semi-synthetic chemical compound that can be popular with high school- and college-aged people. It can be distributed as a pill, powder or capsules.

“The Leesburg Police Department feels it necessary to make residents aware of the dangerousness of the drug Molly,” said Leesburg Police Capt. Clagett Moxley. “Several recent incidents of Molly usage have been reported in surrounding cities and counties.”

There have been a series of deaths in the region in which authorities believe the drug may have played a role, according to a report by ABC News. http://abcnews.go.com/Health/club-drug-molly-eyed-deaths/story?id=20180492

“Leesburg is not immune to similar problems,” Moxley said, “but through communication and education we can hopefully reduce the risk of Molly usage in the community.”

The following charges were made, according to the Leesburg Police Department:
CHANNA PETROCELLI – 44, Leesburg woman

  • 1 count Possession of Marijuana; 18.2-250.1/Misdemeanor 
  • 1 count Conspiracy to Distribute a Schedule I/II narcotic; 18.2-256 (18.2-248) 
  • Felony Released on a $5,000.00 unsecured bond 
JOSHUA DOUGLAS – 23, Leesburg man
  • 1 count Conspiracy to Distribute a Schedule I/II narcotic; 18.2-256 (18.2-248) Felony
  • 1 count Conspiracy to Transport a Schedule I/II narcotic into the Commonwealth, one ounce or more; 18.2-256 (18.2-248.01)
  • Felony Released on a $5,000.00 unsecured bond 
CARLOS TEZNA – 18, Leesburg/Lansdowne man
  • 1 count Transport a Schedule I/II narcotic into the Commonwealth, one ounce or more; 18.2-248.01/ Felony
  • 1 count Conspiracy to Transport a Schedule I/II narcotic into the Commonwealth, one ounce or more; 18.2-256 (18.2-248.01) 
  • Felony Held on a $5,000.00 secured bond 


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