Nashua Police Arrest 12 During Operation Granite Shield Sweep

NASHUA, NH — Ten Gate City residents and two Manchester women were arrested recently by the Nashua police during an Operation Granite Shield sweep on various charges.

The operation, handled by officers in the department's Narcotics Intelligence Division and Problem Oriented Policing Unit, focused on "various drug crimes and various crimes frequently associated with criminal behavior related to drug activity," according to Lt. Robert Page of the narcotics division.

Two women arrested, according to Page, were based out of Manchester although they have no fixed addresses in the Queen City.

Mercedes Stengel, pictured upper left, 39, was arrested and charged with felony acts prohibited; possession of heroin and prostitution and related offenses, a misdemeanor. She was released on personal recognizance bail and is due in Hillsborough County Superior Court July 30.

Tamika Shaw, upper left center, 24, was charged with felony acts prohibited; possession of methamphetamine and acts prohibited; dealing in or possessing prescription drugs, a misdemeanor. She was released on personal recognizance bail and is also due in court July 30.

Police also arrested 10 Nashua residents or people with no fixed address based in Nashua during the sweep.

Gary Guertin, upper right center, 30, was arrested on a felony capias warrant as well as a felony acts prohibited-possession of heroin-second offense charge. He was held at the Valley Street Jail with an arraignment scheduled Thursday.

Spencer Katsohis, upper right, 24, of Daytona Street was arrested on a driving or operating under the influence of drugs or liquor, conduct after an accident, and a felony acts prohibited-possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute. He was held at the Valley Street Jail and had an arraignment scheduled for Thursday.

Kevin Hilton, left middle, 30, was charged with felony acts prohibited; possession of heroin. He refused bail, was taken to Valley Street, and arraigned Thursday.

Nicole Flanagan, left middle center, 19, was acts prohibited; possession of heroin, acts prohibited; possession of methamphetamine, and acts prohibited; possession of MDMA, all felonies. She was released on personal recognizance and is due in court July 30.

Jennifer Bowley, right middle center, 34, of Clydesdale Circle was arrested on felony acts prohibited; possession of heroin and released on personal recognizance. She is due in court July 30.

Paul Overacker, right center, 43, of Mason Street faces three counts of acts prohibited; sale of cocaine-second offense. He was released on personal recognizance bail and is due in court July 30.

Christian Bynoe, lower left, 19, of Elm Street was charged with a felony acts prohibited; possession of a controlled drug with intent to distribute, and marijuana violation. He was released on personal recognizance bail and is due in court July 23.

Tiffany Soto, lower left center, 36, of Carter Street faces an acts prohibited; sale of cocaine-subsequent charge, a felony, and is due in court July 23.

Jessica King, lower right center, 35, was arrested and charged with acts prohibited; possession of heroin and is due in court July 16.

Kayla Leblond, lower right, 30, of Fossa Avenue was arrested on three felony counts of acts prohibited-sale of suboxone. She was also released on personal recognizance bail and is due in court July 9.

Page urged residents to call the Narcotics Hotline at 603-589-1665 or utilize the Nashua Police Department’s website, NashuaPD.com, with any information concerning illegal drug activity.

Anyone with information about these incidents or cases are asked to call the Nashua Police Department’s Crime Line at 603-589-1665.

Editor's note: This post was derived from information supplied by the Nashua Police Department and does not indicate a conviction. This link explains the removal request process for New Hampshire Patch police reports.

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