Bail set for six men arrested in Mexico drug bust

RUMFORD — Six men arrested Friday morning on aggravated drug trafficking charges remained at the Oxford County Jail on Monday afternoon on bail ranging from $250 to $20,000 cash.

According to the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, those arrested were:

• Jerry Philogene, 26, of Boston, Massachusetts, on two counts of aggravated trafficking in heroin and cocaine, a single count of trafficking in cocaine base, and outstanding warrants for theft, operating after suspension and violation of condition of release.

• Peguy Pacouloute, 27, of Mattapan, Massachusetts, on two counts of aggravated trafficking in heroin and cocaine, a single count of trafficking in cocaine base and outstanding warrants for theft and violation of condition of release.

• Derrell E. “Slim” Weather, 28, of Boston, Massachusetts, on a single count of aggravated trafficking of heroin.

• Travis Tidswell, 41, of Mexico, on two counts of aggravated trafficking in heroin and cocaine, and a single count of trafficking in cocaine base.

• Joshua “Tiny” Campbell, 30, of Mexico, on a single count of aggravated trafficking in heroin.

• Glen Lane, 32, Mexico, on a single count of aggravated trafficking in heroin.

At around 4 a.m. Friday, the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency raided mobile homes at 93 and 107 Chase Ave. in Mexico in an ongoing investigation into the interstate trafficking of heroin and cocaine in greater Rumford-Mexico.

Agents say they seized heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine with a street value of $13,000. They also found $950 in cash.

Mexico Police Chief Roy Hodsdon said that following a drug seizure on March 1 that resulted in seven people from Mexico, Rumford and Lewiston being arrested, people, some anonymously, began coming forward with information because “they’re just tired of the drugs and what to do what they can to help.”

He said some of the tips aided in the arrests on Friday.

Judge Nancy Carlson set bail at $20,000 cash for Pacouloute, $15,000 cash for Philogene, and $10,000 cash for Weather, citing the seriousness of the crimes, their lack of ties to Maine, and statements made by Tidswell that he, Philogene, and Pacouloute were planning on selling the drugs found at his residence.

Carlson set bail at $10,000 cash for Tidswell, with the option for him to participate in a drug addiction treatment program.

Attorney Richard Charest argued that Tidswell was a lifelong resident of Maine and an admitted addict, and should have his bail set at $500 cash, with the option for a Maine pretrial contract. He said Tidswell should qualify for a drug treatment program.

Judge Carlson pointed out that Tidswell was on personal recognizance bail on separate felony drug charges.

“I think that there has to be some significant amount of bail,” she said.

Lane’s bail was set at $5,000 cash, or a Maine pre-trial contract, and Campbell’s bail was set at $250 cash, or a Maine pretrial contract.

mdaigle@sunmediagroup.net