SKOWHEGAN — Law enforcement officials arrested nine people early Tuesday after executing two simultaneous search warrants at separate residences in Skowhegan, resulting in the seizure of more than 45 grams of fentanyl and additional narcotics.
The Somerset County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Division coordinated the operation, which began at approximately 5:08 a.m. on Aug. 26.
A team of five detectives, seven patrol deputies, and four detectives from the Waterville Police Department participated in the execution of the warrants.
The searches were conducted on Cedar Street and Waterville Road after a months-long investigation into illegal drug sales from the locations.
At the Cedar Street residence, detectives seized more than 20 grams of fentanyl, more than 20 grams of crack cocaine, a loaded .45 caliber pistol, drug-related documentation, and paraphernalia.
Three people were arrested at the Cedar Street location.
Gina Clark, 54, of Skowhegan, was charged with two counts of aggravated trafficking in scheduled drugs, with bail set at $50,000 cash and conditions prohibiting illegal drug possession and requiring random searches and drug testing.
Danielle Stratton, 40, of Belgrade, was charged with two counts of aggravated trafficking in scheduled drugs, with bail set at $100,000 cash and similar conditions.
Emmitt Kitchen, 32, of Skowhegan, was charged with two counts of aggravated trafficking in scheduled drugs and arrested on an outstanding warrant, with bail set at $100,000 cash and the same special conditions.
At the Waterville Road residence, investigators seized more than 25 grams of fentanyl, a small amount of cocaine, drug-related documentation, and paraphernalia.
Twelve individuals were located at the residence, with six arrests made.
Chauntel Ludden, 33, of Skowhegan, was arrested for possession of scheduled drugs and issued a summons for aggravated trafficking in fentanyl.
Ludden’s bail was set at $50,000 cash with special conditions.
Michaela Higgins, 28, of Madison, was arrested and charged with violation of conditions of release and is being held without bail.
Tori Pinkham, 31, of Bingham, was arrested and charged with violation of conditions of release and is being held without bail.
Randell Woods, 40, of Madison, was arrested and charged with violation of conditions of release and is being held without bail.
Jacob Day, 30, of Skowhegan, was arrested and charged with possession of a scheduled drug with priors, with bail set at $2,500 cash and special conditions.
Aaron Butters, 37, of Skowhegan, was arrested and charged with possession of a scheduled drug with priors, with bail set at $2,500 cash and special conditions.
All nine individuals remain in custody at Somerset County Jail.
Initial court dates for all those arrested are scheduled for Dec. 3 at 8:30 a.m. at the Somerset County Unified Criminal Court.
