Drug Sweep Hits Portsmouth Housing Authority Buildings; 6 Charged

PORTSMOUTH, NH — Police in Portsmouth have arrested six people and are searching for two others on drug dealing charges after an investigation into narcotic sales in Portsmouth Housing Authority buildings.

The lengthy investigation began after the department received "tips that the activity was occurring," according to Capt. Darrin Sargent of the Portsmouth Police Department.

"The operation was part of 'Granite Shield,' a state grant initiative to target unlawful drug activity for participating towns and cities," Sargent said. "The DEA along with Somersworth, Newington, and Greenland Police Departments assisted in this operation."

The department had the full cooperation of the housing authority, he added, noting that residents at the Margeson Apartments on Middle Street, where five people lived and a warrant for a sixth person also lived, was predominately elderly housing.

"This drug activity has put them in an intimidating and uneasy environment," Sargent said. "The operation was carefully planned — as to not place the housing authority residents or staff in danger."

Six were arrested:

James Slater, pictured upper left, 58, of Middle Street in Portsmouth on a single felony count of sale of controlled-narcotic drugs and two felony counts of conspiracy to commit the sale of controlled-narcotic drugs.

Sherry Lavoie, 40, upper middle, of Middle Street in Portsmouth on a single felony count of sale of controlled-narcotic drugs.

Troy Donahue, 49, upper right, of Middle Street in Portsmouth on a single felony count of sale of controlled-narcotic drugs.

Darien Muise, 45, lower left, of Middle Street in Portsmouth on a single felony count of sale of controlled-narcotic drugs and a single felony count of conspiracy to commit the sale of controlled-narcotic drugs.

Kendra Merrill, 36, lower middle, on two felony counts of sale of controlled-narcotic drugs and endangering the welfare of a child.

Michelle Almon, 48, lower right, of Greenleaf Avenue in Portsmouth on two felony counts of sale of controlled-narcotic drugs and endangering the welfare of a child.

Two have outstanding warrants: Danielle Dugay, 44, of Middle Street in Portsmouth on a single felony count of sale of controlled-narcotic drugs, and Chantell Tibbets, 35, with a last known address of Rochester Hill Road in Rochester on a single felony count of sale of controlled-narcotic drugs.

The Rockingham County Attorney's Office will be handling the prosecutions and police expect more arrests.

Editor's note: This post was derived from information supplied by the Portsmouth 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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