Six Arrested in Drug Bust Amid Sewage Contamination on South Main Street

Over 100 grams of fentanyl, cocaine, and several firearms were found in the operation.

A significant drug operation led to the arrest of six individuals on South Main Street early Tuesday morning, following a lengthy investigation by the Vermont Drug Task Force. Authorities descended on the property located at 296 South Main Street, where they seized over 100 grams of fentanyl, cocaine, and several firearms, including a handgun reported stolen from Connecticut.

Investigation reports indicated that police discovered approximately six inches of sewage throughout the basement of the house. The local Fire Department emphasized that the property cannot be occupied again until necessary repairs are made, including sewage removal and rectification of plumbing and electrical issues by licensed professionals. Due to these conditions, the property has been boarded up to restrict access.

The operation stemmed from an extensive probe into drug trafficking activities allegedly taking place at the residence. Among those arrested were Mekhi Neal-Lurry, 20, and Jesus Cirino, 19, both from Hartford, Connecticut, along with local residents Jessica Spinella, 42, Travis Caviola, 42, Daniel Lange, 51, and Brian Brownell, 43.

A court affidavit revealed findings from the residence, including a safe in the upstairs left bedroom identified by Neal-Lurry and Cirino as their quarters. Inside the safe, officers found around 4.19 grams of cocaine base, nearly 57.1 grams of suspected fentanyl stored in three bags, $2,755 in cash, and two handguns — one being a Glock noted as stolen.

Neal-Lurry told investigators that he frequently traveled to Brattleboro to sell drugs, indicating he had brought the narcotics from Hartford. He claimed control over the drugs during his visits and mentioned using the Glock for personal protection, keeping it secured at night. While Cirino acknowledged his stay in the bedroom for several days, he distanced himself from any drug-related operations and firearms.

The individuals involved made appearances in Windsor Superior Court on Wednesday. Cirino entered a not guilty plea to various charges, including fentanyl trafficking and firearm possession. Prosecutors sought to maintain his bail at $10,000, citing concerns about his connections to Vermont. His attorney argued for a lower bail due to his status as a full-time student and lack of a criminal history, resulting in a reduction to $7,500 pending a review of his release plan.

Neal-Lurry faced five felony charges, including trafficking fentanyl and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. His lawyer requested a reduction of his $50,000 bail, claiming it was excessively punitive. However, prosecutors pointed to the seriousness of his charges and significant admissions made regarding his involvement in drug distribution and firearm possession, leading the judge to uphold the higher bail.

The search, executed around 6:30 a.m., was supported by multiple law enforcement agencies, resulting in the temporary closure of a section of South Main Street, which reopened by mid-morning. Nearby schools implemented shelter-in-place protocols due to the police presence, which were lifted shortly thereafter.

Spinella was held without bail due to an active warrant related to prior drug charges, while Caviola and Lange faced citations for drug possession and conspiracy. Brownell was cited for fentanyl possession, with all three due to appear in Windham Superior Court at a later date.