Local Woman in Drug Case to Stay in Jail

She will remain incarcerated for 30 to 90 days due to an unrelated previous charge.

Jessica Spinella, a 42-year-old resident, faced a virtual arraignment from the Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility on Friday related to new drug charges following a raid on Tuesday at a home on South Main Street. The residence was reported to be in poor condition, suffering from sewage issues, and was the site of a significant drug bust conducted by the Vermont Drug Task Force, which led to Spinella's arrest among five others.

On that occasion, law enforcement officers seized fentanyl, cocaine, and discovered unsanitary living conditions. Spinella was charged with several offenses, including fentanyl and cocaine sales, as well as conspiracy. Initially, she was held without the possibility of bail under the warrant issued against her.

During the hearing, she was given specific conditions for her release; however, she will remain incarcerated for 30 to 90 days due to an unrelated previous charge. Spinella's extensive criminal history spans several years across multiple counties. Among her past convictions are charges for possessing narcotics in significant quantities and a simple assault conviction.

In addition to her active cases in Windham County, including simple assault and cruelty towards children, she faces serious allegations stemming from the drug bust, including multiple counts related to both fentanyl and cocaine distribution, as well as conspiracy charges.

Two associates from the raid, Mekhi Neal-Lurry and Jesus Cirino of Hartford, Connecticut, appeared in court the following day. Cirino was ordered to pay bail set at $7,500 and Neal-Lurry’s bail was set at $50,000. The other three individuals apprehended, Travis Caviola, Daniel Lange, and Brian Brownell, all from Brattleboro, received citations and were released with future court dates scheduled for their charges.

Judge Michael Kainen noted that had the state requested bail, he would have likely set a cash bail, considering Spinella's record of not appearing in court and indications of substance abuse issues.