Trial of man facing long list of drug charges begins this week in Superior Court

What was originally supposed to be the second trial in Washington County since the COVID-19 Pandemic shut things down back in March, is actually the first.

The original one was postponed due to the death of a defense attorney’s parent. Now the trial for Anthony M. Zoeller, 33, Palmyra, is set to begin Wednesday in Washington Superior Court.

Zoeller is facing 10 charges including one level 3 felony for possession of methamphetamine with intent to deal, two level 5 felonies, one for possession of cocaine with intent to deal and one for possession of methamphetamine, as well as, five level 6 felonies that include resisting law enforcement with a vehicle, maintaining a common nuisance, possession of cocaine, possession of legend drug and obstruction of justice.

Zoeller is also facing three misdemeanor charges.

The charges stem from a chase that took place on Nov. 21, 2018, when Washington County Sheriff’s Deputy Brad Naugle, along with Deputy Tory Hildreth and Reserve Officer Anthony Stempowski were all traveling on McCracken Road in Washington County.

Naugle said in a probable cause affidavit obtained from Washington County Prosecutor Dustin Houchin’s office that as he was traveling northbound, he had to swerve to avoid a vehicle that was traveling southbound.

Naugle said he noted that the vehicle matched the description of a Chrysler Sebring he was looking for from a warrant served in the area the night before.

The PC affidavit states that a lengthy pursuit ensued and ended at the residence on West May Drive in Palmyra, where the search warrarant had been executed the previous night.

Naugle said in the report the driver and a passenger were ordered out of the car and placed in handcuffs.

Both Zoeller and the female, who was identified as Heather Lee Barkemeyer, were arrested and transported to the Washington County Detention Center.

Naugle said he and Gray searched the area and found a number of drug related items that were allegedly thrown from the vehicle during the pursuit.

Houchin said the trial will begin with jury selection at 9 a.m. Tuesday morning as Judge Frank Newkirk wants to take advantage of the courthouse being closed for election day.

He said the trial is expected to last two-three days.