To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com. Maine's Drug Enforcement Agency along with Rumford and Maine State Police searched a home on Knox . Plow truck drivers prepare for Maine's third snowstorm of the week, Maine Wardens searching for missing Greene man, Lincoln man arrested twice within 8 hours for alleged assault, Portland police respond to Racial Equity Committee recommendations, Police investigating shots fired at a home in Portland. Three people were arrested and cash, fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine seized in Verona Island March 9, Maine Drug Enforcement Agency Commander Peter Arno reported. More by Bill Trotter, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Police: Mass. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Arno provided the following about people arrested and the charges they're facing in connection with MDEA's investigation: Arno said the MDEA was assisted in the investigation by the United States Drug Enforcement Agency, Homeland Security Investigations, Hancock County Sheriff's Office, Penobscot County Sheriff's Office, Maine State Police, Ellsworth police, and Bangor police. Global race to boost electric vehicle range in cold weather, In Britain, warm hubs emerge to beat soaring energy costs, In Chicago, adapting electric buses to winters challenges, Philippine governor killed by gunmen while meeting villagers, Ukraine plant builds 6-person bunkers for war's front lines, China: Defense boost to meet 'complex security challenges', Chris Rock to finally have his say in new stand-up special, Hong Kong court convicts activists behind Tiananmen vigil, Ohio derailment tests Sen. Brown's push to buck Dem defeats, Texas congressman's breaks with GOP could lead to censure. You have permission to edit this article. Bail was set at $60,000 cash. Larry Smith, 51, is accused of shooting two men during the alleged robbery while Sherry Smith, 49, is accused of trying to stab a third man and one of the men who was shot. In late December, around the same time Kleffman allegedly was communicating with Minier-Tejada about guns and drug deals, a Milbridge couple allegedly forced their way into Kleffmans home and stole two safes containing thousands of dollars in cash. According to a statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office for Massachusetts, 31-year-old Shelby Kleffman of Trenton, Armani Minier-Tejada, 22, of Salem, Massachusetts, and Miguel Minier, 55 of Lynn, Massachusetts were charged in connection with an . Earlier this month, the two Massachusetts men and others suspected to be involved in the drug ring rented a house in Bangor through an online vacation home rental service and used it as a place for Kleffman to pick up drug deliveries, according to the FBI. Secure .gov websites use HTTPSA lock ( Ten suspects were lodged at the Mercer County Correctional Center and three juveniles were lodged at the Middlesex County Juvenile Detention Center. The arrests began in December and continued Thursday. Police say the street value of the drugs is about $9,000. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. Meanwhile, we are also engaging in community outreach like the virtual town hall we held in Trenton in June to discuss violence reduction strategies. of Public Safety). Sentences are imposed by a federal district judge based on the U.S. Cocaine, cash, guns seized as State Police task force busts alleged Downriver drug dealer, Woman drove to southern Michigan to get meth to distribute Up North: MSP, Featured Image Photo Credit: Michigan State Police, Paid express lanes grow more popular in once-reluctant South, Utah governor says he plans to sign abortion clinic ban, After Murdaugh trial 'circus,' Walterboro welcomes normality, 16 still missing after Indonesia oil depot fire kills 15, Storms roll east after slamming South; 10 deaths reported. While we work hard to keep you informed about the Midcoast community, how citizens cope and thrive, we need your help, too. Download here. SCD Working alongside local, county, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement partners, Maine Drug Enforcement Agency's Downeast Task Force has arrested six (6) people in Washington County on felony drug trafficking charges following . A Kennebec County grand jury indicted more than 20 people recently on drug charges. An official website of the United States government. The charge of conspiring to possess, use and carry firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking conspiracy provides for a maximum sentence of life in prison because a machinegun was involved in the offense, five years of supervised release and fine of up to $250,000. 2023 Maine Public | Registered 501(c)(3) EIN: 22-3171529, PublishedFebruary 19, 2022 at 11:39 AM EST, Climate Driven: A deep dive into Maine's response, one county at a time, Maine Public on Your Voice Activated Device, WATCH: Video On-Demand TV Programs (including Maine PBS PASSPORT), WATCH: Maine Public Television Live Stream, Maine High School Basketball Championship Weekend, Watch Maine Public Television and Additional Channels with an Antenna, Listen to Maine Public Classical on Voice-Activated Devices, Teaching Resources for The Holocaust and Stories That Matter, Community Calendar - Virtual & Live Events in Maine, StoryCorps Military Voices Recording Sessions, Masterworks IV: Epic Sounds: Strauss and Rachmaninoff, Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ - Bach Birthday Bash, Facts About Maine Public's Federal Funding. Get breaking news alerts on your phone with our app. BELMONT The Maine Drug Enforcement Agency has charged three people for alleged fentanyl trafficking in Belmont. The search in which police said they seized guns, money, drugs and contraband followed two separate purchases of cocaine base, also known as crack, at the home by an informant working with police. At an apartment on Beakes Street in Trenton, detectives located evidence related to murder of Derek Colley that resulted in homicide charges being filed against Kaite and Tabika Hale. Also arrested was Austin Kleffman, 28, of Trenton. Lawrence police on Monday arrested two Maine women in their 20s and seized fentanyl worth as much as $15,000 in illegal street sales. The Good Table has everything you need to prepare your next delicious meal. The MDEA said the group is believed to be responsible for the distribution of large amounts of drugs throughout Hancock and Penobscot Counties. More fentanyl was located in the room along with approximately $10,000 in suspected drug proceeds. Earlier this month, the two Massachusetts men and others suspected to be involved in the drug ring rented a house in Bangor through an online vacation home rental service and used it as a place . "Our Deputy Attorneys General stand ready to prosecute these defendants to bring them to justice," she said. Add your email address and we'll send you central Maine news, weather updates and traffic alerts as they happen. A news reporter in coastal Maine for more than 20 years, Bill Trotter writes about how the Atlantic Ocean and the state's iconic coastline help to shape the lives of coastal Maine residents and visitors. When detectives attempted to stop Kaite, he collided with a police vehicle causing heavy damage to both vehicles. AUGUSTA Two men recently arrested on drug trafficking charges allegedly sold crack cocaine to an informant working with Augusta police. BOSTON Three individuals were charged today in connection with a drug trafficking conspiracy involving cocaine, cocaine base, fentanyl and methamphetamine supplied by sources in Massachusetts and spanning into Maine. HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)-A three-week investigation into narcotics distribution in the Trenton area has culminated with the seizure of $45,500 in methamphetamine, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported. A 25-year-old West Bloomfield man is behind bars facing a charge of possession with intent to distribute marijuana. Show Transcript. (Courtesy of FBI via BDN) TRENTON ( BDN) -- A Trenton woman arrested Friday on federal drug trafficking and firearms charges could face . Official websites use .gov September 27, 2016 by Mark Good on Breaking News, . A locked padlock 11 Charged On Tuesday, officers from the Augusta Police Department, accompanied by agents of the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and Kennebec County Sheriffs Office, executed a search warrant at an apartment at 17 Summer St., where they arrested Zachary Magee, 31, of Winthrop, and Samuel Barrows, 27, of Augusta, on charges of unlawful trafficking in scheduled drugs. Tuesday, July 8, 2014. Take the Latch Electric Folding Bike Anywhere, Popular free publication that is mailed to Midcoast, Cottage Connection of Maine Vacation Rentals Since 1993, Jazz in June: Grace Kelly + Staci Griesbach, Thomaston Light Presents Serendipity Online Auction, Vintage Accents Begins Worldly Wonders Online Timed Auction, New Hope Midcoast Relies on Clothing and Accessory Donations for Its Largest Fundraiser, SAT Prep Matters & Boot Camps with Dr. Mary Smyth - Online this Spring, The University of Maine Hutchinson Center, FREE Family Film: The BFG, at The Waldo Theatre on Sunday, March. This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Prior to the execution of these warrants, surveillance officers followed Deshawn Abner as he traveled by cab from Bond Street in Trenton to the Extended Stay Motel on Route 1 in West Windsor where Abner and a second individual, identified as Aziz Stroman, were observed searching a wooded area around the hotel. Police informants purchase of crack cocaine led to Augusta drug bust, arrested Zachary Magee, 31, of Winthrop, and Samuel Barrows, Two men arrested on drug charges following search of Augusta apartment, Arsonist who destroyed Gardiner trailer sentenced to five years in prison on burglary, tampering charges, Madison man serving 30 days for violation of privacy in cellphone incident, With Domino's opening in Farmington, 'pizza wars' taking place on community Facebook group, Former facilities director for Bread of Life Ministries sentenced for sexual abuse of girl, Man convicted in previous death pleads guilty in 1987 killing of Janet Brochu of Winslow, Reporting Aside: As China woman confronts fatal diagnosis, she hopes for a final wish. MNET is a multijurisdictional narcotics task force comprised of local, state, and federal officers who were assisted during this investigation and execution of the warrants by Trenton Police and the Downriver SWAT Team. BANGOR, Maine Bangor police and fire evacuated a Bangor home Thursday night after drug agents found what they suspect was a methamphetamine lab inside one of the building's apartments. The State Police Crime Suppression Central Unit said it determined that a group of armed gang members was gathering at a residence on Tyrell Avenue, Trenton this past month to plan a series of retaliatory shootings. In March of this year, MDEA agents in Ellsworth opened an investigation into the sale of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and crack cocaine by people in the Ellsworth area. By Jennifer Osborn; Sep 27, 2016 Kleffman was one such Maine-based dealer who received large quantities of controlled substances from Minier-Tejada and Minier. Central Maine residents indicted on fentanyl trafficking charges, could forfeit $75,000. Comments are not available on this story. READ THE FULL STORY:Police seize $100k of fentanyl in Maine drug bust. Maine women charged with drug trafficking after early morning . A locked padlock Learn more. by support@kesz1.com | May 19, 2017 | New Jersey State Police | Press Release |, Office of The Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal,Attorney GeneralNew Jersey State Police Colonel Patrick Callahan, Superintendent, Media Inquiries-Peter Aseltine609-292-4791Citizen Inquiries-609-984-5828. 1 Courthouse Way, Suite 9200 In an affidavit filed in federal court, the FBI alleges that Minier-Tejada and other co-conspirators from Massachusetts who are not publicly identified made trips to Maine to deliver controlled substances to Maine drug contacts and obtain firearms for transport to Massachusetts.. (WWJ) The Michigan State Police is showing off an assortment of firearms, along with drugs and money recovered during a task force raid Downriver. Worcester:508-368-0100. (WVUE) - What deputies found between slices of bread on Tuesday wasn't exactly nutritious. Randal Cousineau, 69, of Farmington, pleaded guilty Wednesday to conspiracy to illegally cultivate and sell more than a ton of marijuana and more than 1,000 marijuana plants, according to the . Bail was set at $1,000 cash. Sign in or Subscribe TRENTON, N.J. (WPVI) -- An investigation that targeted a violent drug network in Trenton has led to the arrest of seven suspect - two . Thanks to our readers and especially our supporters who help to keep PenBayPilot.com an open and accessible community hub. Maine State Police and the Waldo County Sheriffs Office found a loaded rifle, fentanyl, and approximately $10,000 in suspected drug proceeds in a Belmont drug bust. Subsequently, Arno said agents were able to identify a garage apartment of a house on Cedar Brook Drive in Hermon from which the drugs were being trafficked. Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. Officers stopped Harrell in his vehicle near 65 Asbury Street and found 31 grams of crack cocaine, 250 decks of heroin, and $1,051 in cash. Members of the conspiracy also allegedly possessed numerous firearms, including at least one fully-automatic firearm with a selector switch that converts a semi-automatic firearm into a machinegun, in order to protect the drug trafficking operation and target rival drug trafficking operators. Trenton Police Director Sheilah A. Coley said this case was a testament to the success of our partnership with the N.J. State Police, which continues to help our city at a time when we need it the most.. In the afternoon of August 31, agents executed a search warrant at the Watermans residence. Authorities said one person supplied methamphetamine and cocaine to others, and that the drugs were distributed in the Concord area, Lakes Region, and Maine. On average more than 50 Maine citizens per month have died due to drug overdose this year, the release said. Will Operate Only Electric Buses Around Town, Happy Summer Trails: Best Places To Hike Or Bike Around Princeton, Great Animal Shelters Around Princeton: Adopt, Volunteer Or Donate, Possession of a handgun during a CDS offense, Possession of handgun for unlawful purpose, Possession of heroin with intent to distribute, Possession of a handgun for unlawful purpose, Taurus .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun, Taurus .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun. 12/04/2009 Portland Drug Bust. Maine drug agents say they found a lot of drugs and cash when they searched a home in the Aroostook County town of Wade.When agents with the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency Aroostook County Task . Magee was charged with two counts of unlawful trafficking in scheduled drugs, and Barrows with one count of that same charge. The informant, fitted with an electronic monitoring device, again went to the 17 Summer St. apartment where, the affidavit states, Magee weighed out what was later to be determined to be 1.21 grams of crack, took the $100 and gave the informant the bagged drugs. LAROSE, La. The heroin is valued at $60,000; the methamphetamine is valued at $100,000; and the marijuana at $68,000. On Thursday evening, the Auburn Police Department arrested two suspects in a large drug bust, after the man and women were caught trying to bail someone out of . 02/02/2010 5 MID COAST PRESCRIPTION DRUG ARRESTS. Trenton Police said the department was happy to help. Through the investigation, authorities had pinpointed Moise as the supplier of heroin to North Trenton. TRENTON Three people were arrested Friday on heroin-related charges after Maine Marine Patrol officers stopped their vehicle on Route 230 for alleged . We remain committed to working shoulder to shoulder with our law enforcement partners, community leaders, and city residents to build and maintain safer neighborhoods in Trenton, he said. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. He then attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended after a brief struggle. 25 Charged in Takedown of Trenton Drug Trafficking Ring - State Police seize guns and over $300,000 worth of drugs in "Operation Maple Empire" . It is the largest seizure of heroin to date in Maine. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account. District of Massachusetts Agents conducted several undercover purchases of fentanyl from a . David Conaway, 22, of Ellsworth is charged with class A aggravated trafficking in schedule W drugs (methamphetamine). NBC Universal, Inc. Two people were arrested in Gardiner, Maine, after DEA agents and police found $200,000 worth of cocaine in their car, including two pounds disguised as a cake. Published: Aug. 17, 2020 at 6:15 PM PDT. Makes second large bust in a week February 25, 2022 TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)--A two-month investigation into narcotics distribution in the Trenton area has culminated with the arrest of a Trenton man and the seizure of $300,000 in cocaine, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported. It is not clear from court documents whether the guns described in the affidavit were obtained in Maine or somewhere else. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. 2023 Audacy, Inc. All rights reserved. Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel Mendell's office announced the bust Wednesday, saying the ring was based . Error! The following evidence was seized according to the police: Veronica Allende, Director of the Division of Criminal Justice commended the State Police for their operation, and said her department will continue to work with them to keep the community safe. MERCER COUNTY, NJ The New Jersey State Police prevented a gang from allegedly preparing a series of retaliatory shootings after it arrested 24 suspects for various drug, weapons and other offenses. Jaquai Harrell, 20, of Trenton, was arrested on Jan. 6, 2022, and charged with drug offenses during a Daytime Task Force investigation in South Trenton following numerous open-air drug deal complaints. After Abner and Stroman were taken into custody, detectives contacted officers in Pennsylvania who had an individual identified as Ricardo Moise under observation. Michigan State Police Seize 12 Lbs. They were taken to Kennebec County jail, with bail for each set at $5,500. Minier-Tejada and Kleffman were additionally charged with one count of conspiracy to possess, use and carry firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking conspiracy. (Photo courtesy Maine Dept. Most were arrested on a charge of conspiracy to sell methamphetamine. This multi-tiered response awaits any criminal group that seeks to plague our streets with drugs and violence.. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. On Monday, May 15, and Tuesday, May 16, detectives from the New Jersey State Police Gangs and Organized Crime Central Unit, Trenton Police Department, FBI, Mercer County Prosecutors Office, ATF, U.S. Marshals NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force, Ewing Police Department, Hamilton Police Department, and the Mercer County Sheriffs Office executed search warrants at various locations in Trenton. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Both are facing charges of attempted murder and robbery. Ryant was arrested and transported to the Waldo County Jail without incident. Agents were able to determine that this heroin was part of a larger amount, estimated to be approximately 750 bags, brought into Mainefor resale in Hancock and Penobscot counties, McCausland said. Murtiffs affidavit said he later attempted to review video footage, but for unknown reasons the electronic monitoring device had only recorded audio of the controlled drug buy. Colonel Patrick J. Callahan and Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal made the announcement on Tuesday. Early Friday morning, February 25, 2022, members of the Mercer We will aggressively prosecute these defendants., Leader of a narcotics trafficking network, 1st degree Promoting organized street crime, 1st degree Possession with intent to distribute cocaine, 1st degree Unlawful possession of a handgun, 1st degree Possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime, 2nd degree Certain persons not to possess weapons, 2nd degree Conspiracy to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, 2nd degree Possession of a controlled dangerous substance, 3rd degree Financial facilitation of criminal activity, 3rd degree, Distribution of heroin, 1st degree Distribution of cocaine, 2nd degree Distribution within 1,000 feet of a school, 3rd degree Conspiracy to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, 2nd degree Possession of a controlled dangerous substance, 3rd degree Financial facilitation of criminal activity, 3rd degree Unlawful possession of a handgun, 2nd degree Possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime, 2nd degree Manufacture, transport, disposition and defacement of weapons, 4th degree, Distribution of cocaine, 3rd degree Distribution within 1,000 feet of a school, 3rd degree Conspiracy to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, 2nd degree Possession of a controlled dangerous substance, 3rd degree, Distribution of cocaine, 3rd degree Distribution of heroin, 3rd degree Distribution within 1,000 feet of a school, 3rd degree Distribution within 500 feet of a public park, 2nd degree Conspiracy to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, 2nd degree Possession of a controlled dangerous substance, 3rd degree, Fortified structure Possession with intent to distribute Possession of a controlled dangerous substance Possession of paraphernalia, Possession of marijuana under 50 grams Possession of paraphernalia, Unlawful possession of a handgun, 1st degree Possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime, 2nd degree Conspiracy to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, 2nd degree Distribution of heroin, 3rd degree Distribution within 1,000 feet of a school, 3rd degree Possession of a controlled dangerous substance, 3rd degree Manufacture, transport, disposition and defacement of weapons, 4th degree, Conspiracy to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, 2nd degree, Conspiracy to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, 2nd degree Distribution of heroin, 3rd degree Distribution within 1,000 feet of a school, 3rd degree Possession of a controlled dangerous substance, 3rd degree, Possession with intent to distribute marijuana Possession of marijuana, Conspiracy to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, 2nd degree Distribution of heroin, 3rd degree Possession of a controlled dangerous substance, 3rd degree, Distribution of heroin, 2nd degree Conspiracy to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, 2nd degree Possession of a controlled dangerous substance, 3rd degree Possession of under 50g marijuana Possession of prescription legend drugs, Possession with intent to distribute heroin Possession of heroin Money laundering, CHRISTOPHER OCHS, 44, of Allentown Borough, NJ. 10/05/2009 Maine Drug Enforcement on Facebook. A search warrant for Stromans Mercedes Benz was obtained and detectives located 210 bricks of heroin on the front passenger floor. AUGUSTA Two men recently arrested on drug trafficking charges allegedly sold crack cocaine to an informant working with Augusta police. The remaining 11 suspects were charged with violating local ordinances and were released pending court. The arrests began in December and continued Thursday. Not only did this drug ring fuel the terrible scourge of opiate addiction destroying lives and families throughout New Jersey, they supplied the street-level drug dealing that is behind most of the gun violence in Trenton., The takedown of this violent group is critical to the safety of the citizens of Trenton, and it helps to curb the flow of heroin and guns into the city and surrounding area, said Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. According to Prosecutor Onofri, the total retail value of the confiscated drugs is $228,000. The Mercer County Narcotics Task Force, the Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Mercer County Prosecutors Economic Crime Unit, along with the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and many state, county and local police agencies, began their hard-hitting investigation a short time later and dubbed the job Operation Eight-Ball, representing the eight-ball logo used by Trentons H-Block, a violent criminal street gang responsible for numerous shootings and murders in the city. RUMFORD (WGME) -- Two people were arrested as part of a drug investigation in Rumford on Monday. toddler dies after being struck by falling tree, World leaders call for international pandemic treaty, Couples recreation business cultivates 'slice of heaven' in Maine highlands, 2 teenagers charged after a man in Calais was shot on a walking trail, Fine-dining restaurant in northern Maine adds bed and breakfast, Nor'easter could dump a foot of snow on parts of Maine Saturday, Maine photographer snaps shots of bobcat thats blind in one eye, Residents in one western Maine town look to curb Poland Springs appetite for water, Maine should be on every birders bucket list, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. It initiated with the Mercer County Narcotics Task Force, the Mercer County Homicide Task Force and the Mercer County Prosecutors Economic Crime Unit, and received support and resources from 16 additional agencies including: 21-04 ###, Domestic Cannabis Suppression / Eradication Program, Red Ribbon Toolkit - Resources For Your Community, DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, Intelligence Research Specialist Job Announcements, Schedule A Hiring Authority: Intelligence Research Specialist, Privacy Impact Assessment and Management Information Systems, Victim Witness Assistance Program Resources, New Jersey State Police Crime Suppression Central, Bucks County District Attorneys Office (Pa.), The College of New Jersey Police Department. We allege that Shawn Davis was a major heroin supplier who, along with Tracy Edwards and the others arrested in this operation, conspired to distribute heroin throughout the City of Trenton, said Attorney General Porrino. police said. 11/23/2009 Waterville Police Department press release. According to court documents, Kleffman could face life in federal prison if she is found guilty of possessing firearms in support of a drug trafficking conspiracy and if one of the guns used or possessed as part of that conspiracy is classified as a machine gun. The operator, Ronald Golden, 31, of Meriden, Connecticut, was found to have a suspended Connecticut drivers license and was not authorized to operate a motor vehicle, the spokesman said. This charge was aggravated due to the amount of heroin seized, McCausland said. Mar 2, 2017. Shelby Kleffman of Trenton, Maine. The operation was conducted by a multi-agency task force through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Search warrants related to the investigation were subsequently executed and detectives located 30 bricks of heroin and a shotgun.