MEXICO — A Rumford man was arrested
for trafficking cocaine July 5 following a tailgating episode down
Roxbury Road.

Robert Lemieux, 55, of Byron
Street, was arrested for felony drug trafficking
and operating under the influence, and summoned for speeding and
following a vehicle too closely.

Mexico police Sgt. Roy Hodsdon said 15. 5 grams of cocaine, with a street value of at least $2,500,
$899 in cash, and Lemieux’s 1995 Chevrolet sedan were seized.

Sgt. Hodson was driving south on Roxbury
Road near the Black Bridge during a day off when Lemieux’s vehicle
pulled out from a driveway and began tailgating him. Hodsdon said the
vehicle was being driven erratically, requiring several drivers who were
heading north to pull over.

“I thought he was going to hit me,”
said Hodsdon.

Hodsdon called on-duty Mexico officer
Matt Desroches to assist when Lemieux pulled into the One Stop parking
lot. He said the two officers waited for Lemieux to emerge from the
convenience store, then conducted a field sobriety test. During the
body search, the drugs and cash were discovered.

Hodgkin said the 15.5 grams of drugs was
the most he had ever found during a personal body search. Lemieux was transported to Oxford
County jail where bail was set at $2,000 cash or $20,000 surety.
Hodsdon said Lemieux remain incarcerated on Wednesday.

He is scheduled to appear in Paris
Superior Court on Oct. 15.

eadams@sunjournal.com