Prostitution bust in Montco leads to heroin arrest

LANSDALE, Pa. - June 26, 2012 (WPVI) -- Police say a prostitution bust two weeks ago in Lansdale, Pa. has led to the arrest of a suspected heroin dealer.

John Nicholas Gallagher, 45, of the 500 block of Derstine Avenue in Lansdale, was arrested Friday at his home.

He is charged with the manufacture, delivery and possession with the intent to deliver a controlled substance  a felony  and several misdemeanors.

Authorities tracked Gallagher after the June 12 arrests of 29-year-old Kristen Stephen of Lansdale and 34-year-old Janet DeFrancesco of Harleysville on prostitution charges.

Police say heroin, cocaine and marijuana were found in the women's apartment, along with about 100 empty heroin bags stamped "Top Dog."

Investigators say they were able to trace the heroin and the bags to Gallagher and arrange an undercover drug buy at his home.

Gallagher was arrested Friday after police searched the home and seized several bundles of suspected heroin, and more than a dozen "Top Dog" bags.

He was arraigned Saturday and released after posting $7500 bail.

A preliminary hearing is set for August 14 in Lansdale.

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pennsylvania, drugs, prostitution, montgomery county, local/state

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