RUMFORD — A Rumford woman was released on her own recognizance after appearing in court on charges of aggravated drug trafficking.
James Cole
Michelle Ryerson
Michelle Ryerson, 30, was arrested by the Rumford Police Department on Thursday when the department and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency executed a search warrant at 501 Knox St., Rumford police Capt. Daniel Garbarini said.
Ryerson faces charges of Class A aggravated trafficking in illegal drugs and possession of drugs.
Ryerson's charge of aggravated drug trafficking stemmed from an undercover investigation in August, according to an affidavit.
The affidavit stated that an MDEA agent approached a male in Rumford about purchasing oxycodone. During the transaction the man told the agent he needed to retrieve drugs from his supplier prior to completing the sale.
Rumford police officers, working with the MDEA, then witnessed the male approach Ryerson and a drug transaction was made between the two, according to the affidavit.
The incident occurred 570 feet from the Hosmer Field Athletic Complex, which elevated the drug trafficking charge to aggravated for occurring within 1,000 feet of a school zone.
During the search of Ryerson's home on Thursday, officers also seized the drug Suboxone, marijuana and miscellaneous drug paraphernalia, Garbarini said.
James Cole, 32, of Rumford was also arrested during the search and was charged with possession of a schedule W drug. He posted $400 bail, Garbarini said.
Ryerson's bail was set at $5,000, and she was taken to the Oxford County Jail. A judge released her on Friday on her own recognizance. She is scheduled to appear in Superior Court on March 6.
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