JAY – A Jay man accused of trafficking in cocaine and furnishing marijuana had his bail set at $5,000 cash or $50,000 in real estate Thursday. The street value of the drugs allegedly found in his possession are worth more than $1,000.

John W. Menthe Jr. of 1 Horan St., Apartment 1, was arrested by police officer Roy Hodsdon Wednesday.

He was charged with felony unlawful trafficking in schedule W drugs – cocaine, misdemeanor furnishing schedule Z drugs – marijuana and violation of probation on a previous charge.

Menthe was arraigned on the cocaine charges before Judge Robert Mullen Thursday in Farmington District Court. Bail could be re-argued once Menthe had an attorney, according to a court document.

Jay police began the investigation this week in a collaborated effort with the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, Livermore Falls police, and the Maine Department of Probation and Parole, Jay police Chief Larry White Sr. stated in a press release.

After in-depth investigation by the agencies, Hodsdon, drug enforcement Agent Vernon Stevens, Livermore Falls police Officer Maurice Drouin and probation Officer Michael Downs went to Menthe’s residence on Horan Street.

After police allegedly found a substantial amount of cocaine and marijuana in his possession, Menthe was arrested, White said.

Menthe is on probation in Florida in regard to a theft charge, White said.

According to affidavit filed in court by Hodsdon, a probation search of Menthe was conducted on May 26.

While searching Menthe, a bag containing cocaine along with a scale were found, according to the affidavit. About 4 ounces of marijuana and other material were seized, the affidavit stated.

The cocaine was broken down into different amounts of the drug, some in foil packets, and amounting to more than 10 grams of cocaine, MDEA supervisor Gerry Baril said.

White and Baril said the street value of the drugs was worth more than $1,000.

dperry@sunjournal.com

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