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Police: 2 Cal U hockey players accused of running marijuana operation

CALIFORNIA, Pa. — Two California University hockey players, who are also brothers, were arrested Tuesday during a drug bust in Washington County.

Authorities said Steve Powell and his brother, Jesse, were arrested inside a 2nd Street home Tuesday afternoon during a raid.

Investigators said the brothers, who are from Baldwin, operated a large marijuana operation out of a house, where several other hockey players lived.

“It’s the unofficial Cal U hockey house,” California University student Emily Stewart said. “A lot of team members live there.”

According to police, the marijuana was being shipped to the house from the state of California, and the suspects were selling it.

“I have nothing for you, ma’am. Have a good one,” said when Channel 11’s Jodine Costanzo asked Steve Powell if he sold marijuana.

Containers of evidence were seized from inside the home, including at least 7 pounds of pot and various drug paraphernalia, police said.

“I’ve seen people pulling in and out of the house at all hours of the night. I figured something would happen and I’m glad it did,” neighbor Shawna Schultu told Costanzo.

Classmates said they often saw parties at the house but never thought anything illegal was going on.

“They’ve always been nice guys. It’s surprising. I hope everything works out for them,” one classmate said.

A California University spokesperson told Costanzo that the school does not tolerate drug use on or off campus. She said the Powells could potentially face penalties from the school, as well.

The hockey club has been placed on interim suspension while the facts of the incident are examined, school officials said.