Montgomery County Detectives have charged an Alburtis man with felony drug offenses after he allegedly tried to buy a large amount of marijuana from undercover detectives and jumped in the Green Lane Reservoir to evade arrest.

        Joseph R. Sagl, 22, of the first block of E. 2nd Street in Alburtis, was charged with felony manufacture, delivery or possession of a controlled substance, dealing in the proceeds of unlawful activities and five counts of criminal use of communications, along with misdemeanor resisting arrest, possession of a controlled substance and marijuana possession in connection with incidents in July of this year.

        According to court papers, Sagl was investigated after authorities received information he was involved in the sales and distribution of marijuana in the Red Hill and Green Lane areas.  Authorities said they conducted a reverse sting operation while detectives from the county's narcotics enforcement team (NET) posed as high-level marijuana distributors. 

        Court documents state Sagl and one of the undercover detectives talked by cell phone about purchasing pound quantities of marijuana and negotiated prices.  Authorities said those conversations were digitally recorded. 

        On July 16 authorities said Sagl agreed to meet with the undercover detective in Green Lane borough to purchase 20 pounds of marijuana.  At the meeting, which took place at an undisclosed location, authorities said Sagl took possession of approximately 10 pounds of marijuana in exchange for $20,000 cash. 

        After the sting, authorities said they attempted to arrest Sagl in the Green Lane park area, but he fled on foot.  According to a criminal complaint in the case, Sagl jumped into the reservoir but was taken into custody a short while later.

        While being interviewed, Sagl admitted to his role in marijuana trafficking and distribution, authorities said.  He also reportedly agreed to have a home associated with him in the 600 block of Landis Road in Franconia Township searched.

        At that home police found and seized $81,149 in cash inside.

        Sagl was arraigned by Judge Catherine Hummel Fried of Red Hill District Court Dec. 7, who set bail at $30,000 unsecured.  Sagl was scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing Wednesday at 11 a.m. in Red Hill.  The results of that proceeding were unknown as of press time.