Drug Sweep, 6 Arrests Made
June 26, 2020
The Portsmouth Police Department arrested 6 individuals yesterday, totaling 12 charges after a lengthy investigation involving the sale of narcotics at Portsmouth Housing Authority properties.
The arrests resulted from targeted enforcement of the Controlled Drug Act, and came after receiving tips that the activity was occurring. The Police Department had the full cooperation of the Portsmouth Housing Authority. The operation was part of “Granite Shield”, a State grant initiative to target unlawful drug activity for participating towns and cities. The DEA along with Somersworth, Newington, and Greenland Police Departments assisted in this operation.
The majority of the residents at the Margeson Apartments at 245 Middle Street are elderly, and this drug activity has put them in an intimidating and uneasy environment. The operation was carefully planned, as to not place the Housing Authority residents or staff in danger.
Arrested were the following:
James Slater
Portsmouth, NH
Age 58
Sale of Controlled/Narcotic Drugs (Class A felony)
Conspiracy to Commit Sale of Controlled Drugs/Narcotics (two counts) (Class A felony)
Sherry Lavoie
Portsmouth, NH
Age 40
Sale of Controlled/Narcotic Drugs (Class A felony)
Troy Donahue
Portsmouth, NH
Age 49
Sale of Controlled/Narcotic Drugs (Class A felony)
Darien Muise
Portsmouth, NH
Age 45
Conspiracy to Commit Sale of Controlled/Narcotic Drugs (Class A felony)
Sale of Controlled/Narcotic Drugs (Class A felony)
Kendra Merrill
Portsmouth, NH
Age 36
Sale of Controlled/Narcotic Drugs (two counts) (Class A felony)
Endangering Welfare of a Child (Class A misdemeanor)
Michelle Almon
Portsmouth, NH
Age 48
Sale of Controlled/Narcotic Drugs (two counts) (Class A felony)
Endangering Welfare of a Child (Class A misdemeanor)
Outstanding warrants:
Danielle Dugay
Portsmouth, NH
Age 44
Sale of Controlled/Narcotic Drugs (Class A felony)
Chantell Tibbets
Rochester, NH
Age 35
Sale of Controlled/Narcotic Drugs (Class A felony)
All charges will be prosecuted through the Rockingham County Attorney’s Office.
In addition to the arrests and outstanding warrants listed above, additional arrests are expected.
Captain Darrin Sargent for Chief Robert Merner