Crime & Safety

Former Magnolia's Vineyard Owners Plead Guilty in Drug Case

The formers owners of Magnolia's Vineyards pleaded guilty Thursday to their role in a drug ring that officials said stretched from Mexico to the Lehigh Valley and distributed $7 million worth of drugs over five years.

John Kerstetter and his wife, Kimberly, of Orefield each pleaded guilty to conspiracy with intent to deliver and manfacturing with intent to deliver in a negotiated plea, according to online court records. Additional charges that included child endangerment were withdrawn.

An emotional John Kerstetter told a Lehigh County judge that they turned to growing and selling marijuana in their home as their restaurant was failing, according to a report in The Morning Call.

He was sentenced to 11 1/2 to 23 months in prison, and his wife was sentenced to 18 months' probation, the report said, by Lehigh County Judge Maria Dantos.

The couple were among 23 suspected drug dealers and traffickers who were charged last April as a result of the 15-month investigation. Agents estimated the organization was responsible for distributing at least four pounds of crystal methamphetamine a month with an estimated street value totaling $7 million over the past five years.

Officials said the Kerstetters were part of a branch of the ring that sold marijuana, according to The Morning Call report.


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