A former Titusville police officer has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor drug charge following an investigation by the Edinboro Police Department.
James M. Carlson, 27, of Meadville, entered the plea March 9 to possession of a controlled substance, according to a Go Erie report. Denise Stuck-Lewis sentenced Carlson to one year of probation, ordered a drug and alcohol evaluation, and required him to pay a fine and court costs.
Prosecutors withdrew additional charges, including a felony count of criminal use of a communication facility and another misdemeanor possession charge, as part of the plea agreement.
According to police, investigators reviewed Snapchat messages while examining evidence from a June search of an apartment on Ontario Street in Edinboro during a separate drug investigation. Officers said the messages indicated Carlson attempted to arrange the purchase of cocaine.
Carlson had been hired by the Titusville Police Department in mid-July but resigned Dec. 22 after charges were filed.
Another man, Charles T. Ross, 53, faces felony and misdemeanor drug charges connected to the same investigation. His preliminary hearing was postponed due to a reported medical issue.
