Public safety grant leads to arrest of Massachusetts man, Rhode Island woman on drug charges

EAST BRIDGEWATER — Chief Michael Jenkins reports that the East Bridgewater Police Department arrested two individuals on drug charges while conducting Edward J. Byrne Justice Assistance Grant-funded patrols on Thursday. The primary focus of the Byrne JAG Program is to impact specific public safety needs through prevention, intervention, diversion and/or enforcement.

At 2:17 p.m., East Bridgewater Police officers assigned to the JAG Proactive Anti-Crime Enforcement Initiative observed a vehicle at a residence known to the department for alleged drug-related activity. East Bridgewater officers and detectives began surveilling the vehicle with the assistance of West Bridgewater Police detectives and observed several alleged behaviors consistent with illegal narcotics activity.

After making these observations, officers initiated a traffic stop on West Union Street in East Bridgewater. The driver of the vehicle, identified as 41-year-old Anthony Pagano of Rockland and the front seat passenger, identified as 34-year-old Krista Marion Dewsnap of Woonsocket were detained while East Bridgewater Police requested a K-9 unit specialized in the detection of narcotics and members from the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office.

Officers and the K-9 conducted a search of Pagano’s vehicle and allegedly found a small rubber container that held several small white rock-like substances, later determined to be crack cocaine. A prescription bottle with several white and yellow capsules, later determined to be Gabapentin was found in the center console of the vehicle. 

East Bridgewater Police officers placed Pagano and Dewsnap under arrest. They were transported to the East Bridgewater Police station for booking. 

During a subsequent search of Dewsnap a white powdery substance, later determined to be cocaine was found on her person.

Pagano was arrested and charged with Possession of a Class B Substance (Crack Cocaine), Possession of a Class B Substance (Cocaine), Possession of a Class E Substance (Narcotics / Gabapentin), and Conspiracy to Violate Drug Law.

Dewsnap was arrested and charged with Possession of a Class B Substance (Crack Cocaine), Possession of a Class B Substance (Cocaine), and Conspiracy to Violate Drug Law.

Dewsnap was also wanted on active arrest warrants out of another court.