Two town employees to face drug charges
Two town employees could face drug charges in connection to a narcotics investigation on Town Hall property.
According to Dartmouth Police Det. Kyle Costa, police plan to charge a male employee with distribution of a class B substance and conspiracy to violate drug laws. Police allege he conducted a drug deal with a female employee, who could face charges of possession of a class B substance and conspiracy to violate drug laws. The employees have not yet been identified.
Under state law, class B substances include, among other drugs, cocaine, opiates, fentanyl, methadone, LSD, and methamphetamine. It is unclear which drugs were involved.
The two employees have not been arrested, Costa said. He confirmed paperwork was filed in New Bedford District Court on May 2. The case cannot move forward until probable cause is determined to exist through a magistrate's hearing, Costa said.
Gregory Barnes, the town's budget and finance director, confirmed both employees were placed on administrative leave on April 27, immediately after the town learned the charges will be filed. Barnes said an investigation was initiated at the request of town management.