Nine arrested in Rumford-Mexico drug sweep

RUMFORD — Nine people were arrested in Rumford and Mexico on Monday evening in a drug sweep that netted cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and $20,000 cash, police said.

The coordinated operationg by Maine Drug Enforcement agents and state, county and local police was part of a monthlong investigation into drug trafficking by local and out-of-state residents.

According to Maine Department of Public Safety Spokesman Stephen McCausland, five search warrants were executed in Rumford and Mexico and police seized cocaine and heroin prepackaged for distribution, 800 Oxycodone pills, $20,000 in suspected drug proceeds and scales.

The street value of the drugs, according to police, is $35,000.

Seven people were charged with drug trafficking. The drugs included crack cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and oxycodone.

Charged were:

• Kassandra Bryant, 26, Mexico, felony trafficking in crack cocaine, and failure to appear in court on a previous warrant;

• Wayne “Dog” Sinclair, 59, of Mexico, felony aggravated trafficking in crack cocaine and methamphetamine;

• Mickiel James, 30, of Dorchester, Massachusetts, felony trafficking in crack cocaine and oxycodone;

• Scott Bousquet, 30, of Rumford, felony aggravated trafficking in oxycodone;

• James Foss, 38, of Mexico; felony trafficking in crack cocaine and methamphetamine, and two counts of violation of bail conditions;

• Tymel Albritton, 19, of Brooklyn, New York, felony trafficking in crack cocaine and aggravated trafficking in heroin;

• Louise Lucci, 40, of Rumford, two counts of felony trafficking in crack cocaine;

• Sara Paquette, 27, of Rumford, probation violation; and

• Elizabeth Ross, 37, of Wilton; probation violation.

All nine were taken to the Oxford County Jail in Paris where bail was denied for Bryant, Sinclair, Foss, Bousquet and Lucci pending their initial appearance.

Bail was set at $10,000 cash for Albritton and $25,000 cash for James. A probation hold was ordered for Paquette and Ross.

All nine are expected to make their initial appearance in Oxford County Criminal Court on Wednesday.

In announcing the arrests, Rumford Police Chief Stacy Carter said in a written statement that, “Local law enforcement considers this operation and arrests a victory for the community and could not have done it without the support and assistance of the community providing information.”

The chief said police will continue to ask the community to report suspicious activity by either calling or using tip lines. And, if a person knows someone who is experiencing drug dependency, the chief encouraged them to seek treatment through any local drug counseling services or by asking for help at any local law enforcement agency or hospital.

Assisting in the case were officers from the Rumford, Mexico and Norway police departments, the Oxford County Sheriff’s Office and state police.

The Maine Drug Enforcement Agency tip line is 800-452-6457.