Cranston Police Charged Suspected Heroin Dealer

A 43-year-old city man has been charged with possession of heroin with intent to distribute after an investigation into his alleged drug dealing over the past several weeks.

Police said Jarrett Benton, of 497 Farmington Ave., was arrested on Thursday after detectives executed a search warrant at his house and found 24 bags on heroin weighing about 15 grams.

Benton was inside his house when police arrived and he attempted to flee when he saw police, but he was apprehended after a brief struggle with detectives, said Cranston Police Acting Major Robert Quirk.

Police also seized two digital scales, three cell phones, cut off bags used to package drugs, a large bag of a suspected cutting agent and a 2006 Toyota Avalon that will be held for forfeiture under state law.

Benton was arraigned on Friday in Third Division District Court and held without bail pending a violation hearing.

Police said Benton has a long criminal history with several prior narcotic arrests. He was serving a suspended sentence at the time of his arrest, police said.