New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
Just before 9 p.m. yesterday Trooper Anthony Lavigne, assigned to State Police-Shelburne Falls, was patrolling Route 91 in Greenfield when he observed a white Dodge Journey with a defective license plate light cross over the white fog line as it passed Exit 26. Trooper Lavigne activated his blue lights and the vehicle began to pull over.
After the vehicle came to a full stop Trooper Lavigne approached the driver’s side window and identified the operator as JESSICA SPEED, 28, of St Johnsbury, Vt. He also noticed a small child in a car seat in the rear of the vehicle. While speaking to SPEED Trooper Lavigne observed a clear plastic bag on the center console containing a substance he believed to be crack cocaine. Trooper Lavigne asked SPEED what was in the bag, she immediately picked it up and attempted to dispose of it out of the window of the vehicle. Trooper Lavigne attempted to take control of SPEED as she was flailing her arms around, at one point striking him in the face. SPEED tossed the bag away from the car at which point Trooper Lavigne was able to gain control of both of her arms.
Trooper Joshua Lemay arrived on scene to assist and SPEED was removed from the vehicle then handcuffed. Trooper George D’Amelio also arrived and assisted in conducting a search of the vehicle. In addition to the 19 grams of crack cocaine Troopers located approximately 800 bags containing a combined total of approximately 16 grams of heroin as well as a digital scale and $500 cash.
SPEED was placed under arrest and transported to the Shelburne Falls barracks where she was booked and bail was set in the amount of $5,000. The child was also transported to the barracks where SPEED’s mother met troopers to take custody. The Vermont Department of Children and Families was also contacted and made aware of the situation. SPEED was transported to the Franklin County House of Correction where she remained until her arraignment today at Greenfield District Court on the following charges.
• Trafficking in Heroin;
• Trafficking in Cocaine;
• Conspiracy to Violate Drug Laws;
• Resisting Arrest;
• Assault and Battery on a Police Officer;
• Marked Lanes Violation; and
• Equipment Violation.
