MONROE TWP., Pa. (EYT) – A local man is facing criminal charges after he was allegedly found to be in the possession of precursors for the manufacture of methamphetamine.

Court documents indicate the Clarion-based State Police filed the following criminal charges against 42-year-old Matthew Aaron Haefner, of Parker:

– Possessing Phenylpropanolamine, etc., or a Precursor Substance with Intent to Unlawfully Manufacture, Felony
– Knowingly Possessing Ephedrine, Misdemeanor (six counts)
– Retail Theft-Take Merchandise, Misdemeanor 2

According to a criminal complaint, around 2:22 p.m. on November 5, Matthew Aaron Haefner went to the Clarion Walmart in Monroe Township, Clarion County, and concealed a package of lithium batteries, valued at $7.47, on his person. Then, around 2:32 p.m., Haefner allegedly purchased a prepaid phone card and a package of Sudafed containing 2.4 grams of pseudoephedrine before leaving the store, without paying for the batteries.

The complaint notes that lithium and Sudafed are precursors for manufacturing methamphetamine. Haefner has allegedly made 187 purchases of ephedrine since June of 2013, totaling 477.36 grams. He has been blocked from purchasing ephedrine 91 times since June 2013, totaling an additional 257.52 grams of attempted purchases.

According to the complaint, Haefner was also arrested for DUIs by the Butler-based State Police on August 30, 2018, and November 18, 2018, and was found to be under the influence of methamphetamine in both cases.

He was arraigned in front of Magisterial District Judge Timothy P. Schill at 3:15 p.m. on November 19.

A preliminary hearing scheduled for Haefner on December 3 was continued, but a date for the continuance has not yet been scheduled.

He is currently free on $2,500.00 unsecured bail.