Man charged with attempted illegal firearm purchases

A man in Pittston has been charged with trying to illegally purchase firearms. Alonzo Poole Jr., 44, allegedly coerced a woman named Mariah Raven Zimmerman, 29, to buy guns for him. According to court records, the two visited gun stores in Exeter and Wilkes-Barre earlier this month. Poole pointed out a handgun in both stores but left before the purchases could be made. The sales were stopped due to a computer issue. Police became aware of Poole's plan and obtained video evidence from the stores. He was arrested on March 6 after authorities executed search warrants at two apartments in Pittston. During the search, they reportedly found fentanyl, cocaine, and packaging materials linked to drug distribution. Poole has been charged with multiple counts, including illegal possession of firearms and attempting to purchase firearms illegally. He is held in the Luzerne County Correctional Facility on a $50,000 bail for the firearm charges and a $150,000 bail for drug-related charges from his earlier arrest. Zimmerman is also facing charges for providing false information on firearm purchase applications. The investigation involved local police and federal agencies.