PARIS – Justice Carl O. Bradford signed several motions related to two drug cases Thursday in Oxford County Superior Court. The motions were submitted by attorney William Cote, who is representing both defendants.

Michael W. Holden, 45, of 2 Bog Brook Loop in West Paris, is charged with three counts of Class A aggravated trafficking in scheduled drugs, one count of Class C aggravated trafficking in scheduled drugs, one count of unlawful furnishing of scheduled drugs, endangering the welfare of a child, and criminal simulation. He is charged with supplying cocaine, heroin and marijuana. His indictment also lists the criminal forfeiture of 20 firearms and $3,043.

Arthur Chagnon, 54, of 160 Beechwoods Road in Oxford is charged with Class A aggravated trafficking in cocaine.

The motions approved in Holden’s case are to discover the identity of confidential informants, allow for extended filing of motions, order the preparation of reports by an expert witness, and to access and preserve evidence, including handwritten notes by law enforcement officials and seized drugs.

The motions in Chagnon’s case are to compel discovery of police and dispatch records, order the preparation of reports by an expert witness, and preserve evidence.

According to court documents, the motions will allow Cote to evaluate the credibility of witnesses, access information and prepare a defense.

Holden was arrested in September 2006 after a three-month investigation by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, the Oxford County Sheriff’s Office and Maine State Police. Holden is accused of transporting drugs from Massachusetts to Maine and supplying them to dealers.

Chagnon was arrested in January after a traffic stop by Officer Christina Sugars of the Paris Police Department. Sugars discovered 28 individually wrapped packets of cocaine in Chagnon’s pockets. According to court documents, Chagnon has prior drug convictions from 2004.

On Dec. 21, Assistant Attorney General James M. Cameron entered his appearance for the state in both cases.

The cases have been continued pending resolution of motions to suppress.