New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
“DARTMOUTH, MA – On Saturday, May 4, 2024, at approximately 10:30 a.m., Dartmouth Police responded to Walmart regarding a reported shoplifting. Officers arrived to find a male in the store and a female who then fled the area in a vehicle. The female, later identified as Ashley VERTENTES, 32, of New Bedford was found to have an active warrant and was later located at the Dartmouth Motor Inn.
During the arrest of VERTENTES, a detective assigned to the Community Impact Unit observed packaging materials, digital scales, and suspected narcotics in plain view in the room. They then requested a search warrant for the room which was later granted. During the search, detectives located approximately ten (10) grams of suspected fentanyl, approximately twelve (12) grams of suspected crack cocaine, approximately four (4) grams of suspected powder cocaine, numerous other illicit pills, digital scales, cutting agents typically used to package and distribute narcotics, and various other suspected narcotic packaging materials.
In addition to the warrant arrest, VERTENTES was charged with shoplifting. She will also receive a summons for charges including possession with intent to distribute Class A, two counts of possession with intent to distribute Class B, two counts of possession with intent to distribute Class E, and conspiracy to violate drug law.
As a result of the findings associated with the search, Dartmouth Police detectives also arrested Lance ALFORD, 54, of Randolph. ALFORD is being charged with possession with intent to distribute Class A, two counts of possession with intent to distribute Class B, possession with intent to distribute Class A (subsequent offense), two counts of possession with intent to distribute Class B (subsequent offense), two counts of possession with intent to distribute Class E, and conspiracy to violate drug law.”-Dartmouth Police Department.
Dartmouth Police Department photo.
