AUGUSTA — An Augusta woman and New York man were charged with trafficking in crack and heroin Thursday after drug enforcement agents searched a Patterson Street home.
Earlier in the day Thursday, according to an affidavit filed by Maine Drug Enforcement Agency Agent Brian Wastella, an undercover agent bought crack from the homeowner.
The homeowner, Christy Bush, 42, as well Andre Lawrence, 26, of New York City, were arrested and each charged with aggravated trafficking in heroin and unlawful trafficking in cocaine base.
As MDEA agents and Augusta police officers entered the 39 Patterson St. home around 5 p.m. Thursday, Lawrence climbed out a second-floor window and onto a roof. He then was seen throwing an object that landed on the roof — a small plastic bag police later seized and determined contained 10.2 grams of heroin and 11.9 grams of crack. according to police.
The search warrant for Bush’s home was granted after what Wastella described as a investigation lasting several months, including three purchases of drugs from Bush by undercover agents, of heroin and cocaine sales from the home.
When police entered the home, they found 10 people there, including Bush and Lawrence.
A search of the home turned up small, clear plastic bags, a scale and — in a jacket also containing Lawrence’s driver’s license — $812 in cash. A search of Lawrence, according to the affidavit, located a clear bag containing what police said appeared to be cocaine base and $775 in cash. The money police found included $100 he had on his person and another $100 in his jacket, which police said had been used by an MDEA agent to buy cocaine from Bush earlier that day.
The affidavit said Lawrence, also known as “Chili,” has no criminal history. Bush has prior convictions in Maine including theft, a protection from harassment order violation, operating under the influence, harassment and disorderly conduct.
Bail was set at $25,000 for Lawrence and $15,000 for Bush.
Keith Edwards — 621-5647
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