Seven charged in River Valley drug bust

Seven people from Mexico, Rumford and Lewiston were arrested Wednesday morning in a drug bust that yielded over 100 grams of crack cocaine, cash and a loaded firearm, police said.

Rumford Police Chief Stacy Carter and Mexico Police Chief Roy Hodsdon said in a news release that the arrests were the culmination of a monthslong investigation into drug trafficking in the River Valley. The Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and Maine State Police helped with the effort.

According to authorities, those arrested were:

• Randy Aron, 40, of 12 Angie Lane in Mexico on charges of aggravated trafficking in crack cocaine, conspiracy to traffic crack cocaine, operating under the influence, operating without a license, criminal mischief and refusing to submit to arrest. Seized were 88.9 grams of crack cocaine, $4,238 in cash and a loaded firearm.

• Jessica Pare, 39, of 12 Angie Lane in Mexico on charges of aggravated trafficking in crack cocaine and conspiracy to traffic crack cocaine. The aggravated charge is because the residence is within 1,000 feet of Mountain Valley Middle School.

• Sean Russell, 38, and Diane Russell, 37, of 11 Middle Ave. in Mexico on charges of aggravated trafficking in crack cocaine, conspiracy to traffic crack cocaine, endangering the welfare of a child and violation of conditions of release.

• Rhonda Welch, 33, of 507 York St. in Rumford, arrested at 11 Middle Ave. in Mexico on charges of aggravated trafficking in heroin and violation of conditions of release. Seized were 1.1 grams of heroin, Suboxone, a prescription medication that can help treat heroin addiction and dependence on other opiates, and scales.

• Megan Keene, 31, 242 Waldo St. in Rumford was stopped near The Big Apple off Route 4 in Turner where 10.4 grams of crack cocaine were seized. She was charged with trafficking in crack cocaine and conspiracy to traffic in crack cocaine. A search warrant was executed at her residence where 4.5 grams of crack cocaine and digital scales were seized.

• Quinton Joseph, 30, of 25 Sarah Ave., Lewiston, was arrested there by Lewiston police and charged with conspiracy to traffic crack cocaine. Seized were 3 grams of crack cocaine, $1,000 in cash and scales. Joseph formerly lived at 17 Main Ave. in Rumford, an Oxford County Jail corrections officer said.

All seven suspects were taken to the Oxford County Jail in Paris.

Carter and Hodsdon said more arrests are expected.

The police chiefs said the drug busts were a great example of the community working together to make streets safe. They encouraged residents to continue to provide information to police.