EAST BRIDGEWATER — Chief Michael Jenkins reports that the East Bridgewater Police Department arrested two individuals on drug charges while conducting Edward J. Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) -funded patrols on Thursday. The primary focus of the Byrne JAG Program is to impact specific public safety needs through prevention, intervention, diversion and/or enforcement.
ANTHONY PAGANO, AGE 41, OF ROCKLAND, was arrested and charged with:
- Possession of a Class B Substance (Crack Cocaine)
- Possession of a Class B Substance (Cocaine)
- Possession of a Class E Substance (Narcotics / Gabapentin)
- Conspiracy to Violate Drug Law
KRISTA MARION DEWSNAP, AGE 34, OF WOONSOCKET, RI, was arrested and charged with:
- Possession of a Class B Substance (Crack Cocaine)
- Possession of a Class B Substance (Cocaine)
- Conspiracy to Violate Drug Law
DEWSNAP is also wanted on active arrest warrants out of another court.
On Thursday, April 4, at 2:17 p.m., East Bridgewater Police officers assigned to the JAG Proactive Anti-Crime Enforcement Initiative observed a vehicle at a residence known to the department for alleged drug-related activity. East Bridgewater officers and detectives began surveilling the vehicle with the assistance of West Bridgewater Police detectives and observed several alleged behaviors consistent with illegal narcotics activity.
After making these observations, officers initiated a traffic stop on West Union Street in East Bridgewater. The driver of the vehicle, identified as PAGANO and the front seat passenger, identified as DEWSNAP, were detained while East Bridgewater Police requested a K-9 unit specialized in the detection of narcotics and members from the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office.
Officers and the K-9 conducted a search of PAGANO’S vehicle and allegedly found a small rubber container that held several small white rock-like substances, later determined to be crack cocaine. A prescription bottle with several white and yellow capsules, later determined to be Gabapentin was found in the center console of the vehicle.
East Bridgewater Police officers placed PAGANO and DEWSNAP under arrest. They were transported to the East Bridgewater Police station for booking.
During a subsequent search of DEWSNAP, a white powdery substance, later determined to be cocaine was found on her person.
PAGANO and DEWSNAP are expected to be arraigned in Brockton District Court on Friday, April 5.
These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.
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