Clinton Woman Arrested in Branford on Drug Charges: Police

Branford, CT - Police arrested three people including a local resident, a Clinton woman and a Madison teen for various drug charges Thursday, police said in a news release.

Police said the three people charged was a result of a month long joint investigation conducted by Branford Police and the New Haven DEA Taskforce.

Police arrested Jennifer Batista, 35, of William Street, Clinton and Mary Frances Palazzo, 18, of 184 Opening Hill Road, Madison just after 4 p.m. Thursday when detectives conducting a surveillance observed the two making an illegal drug purchase, police said.

As a result of Batista’s and Palazzo’s arrest, DEA Taskforce members and Branford Police officers were later able to obtain a search and seizure warrant for 15 Russel Street, Branford.

Taskforce members and officers who executed the warrant found other illegal narcotics within the home of Christopher St. John, 27, police said.

St. John was subsequently arrested by police and charged with illegal possession of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell. He was held on a $25,000 bond and was arraigned in New Haven Court.

Batista was charged with possession of a controlled substance and released on a written promise to appear in court. Palazzo was charged with possession of less than 1/2oz. of marijuana, and released on a promise to appear. Both Batista and Palazzo are scheduled to appear in New Haven Court on July 19.