Three women arrested on drug charges in New Bedford – News – southcoasttoday.com

NEW BEDFORD — Three city women, including one who had been arrested the day before, were charged Tuesday after police observed a suspected drug deal, court records say.

Jessica J. Williams, 48, of 960 County St., Apartment 3, is charged with distribution of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and conspiracy to violate the drug laws, according to court records.

Paige T. Mello, 22, of 125 Collette St., Apartment 2E, and Ashley L. Rivera, 35, of 960 County St., Apartment 2, are charged with possession of fentanyl and conspiracy to violate the drug laws, court records said.

Police said Mello was also arrested Monday on a charge of possession of cocaine, court records say.

The arrests were made by the New Bedford Police Department’s narcotics unit, the Organized Crime Intelligence Bureau, which was targeting street level drug sales in the city’s West End.

About 3 p.m. Tuesday, detectives saw Mello and Rivera enter Williams’ 2000 Jeep Cherokee at Cottage and Willis streets and drive away, court records say. Police followed the vehicle until it let Rivera and Mello out at Morgan and Ash streets.

Detectives found a bag of fentanyl in Mello’s possession and she said she got the drugs from Rivera, court records say.  

Police stopped Williams’ SUV at Hillman and Summer streets and detectives found a plastic bag of fentanyl in the center console, according to court documents.

All three were arraigned Wednesday in New Bedford District Court before Judge Katie Rayburn, court records say. Williams was released on $500 cash bail and given a bail revocation warning. Her case was continued until Sept. 12 for a pre-trial hearing.

Mello and Rivera were released on personal recognizance and given bail revocation warnings, according to court records. Mello, who was also arrested the day before, was also ordered to remain drug free and be monitored with drug screens. Mello’s case was continued until Aug. 27 for a pre-trial hearing and Rivera’s case was continued until Aug. 15 for a pre-trial hearing.

Follow Curt Brown on Twitter @CurtBrown_SCT