Somerset Police arrest two from Fall River, one from Rhode Island, after alleged drug activity at motel, business parking lot

SOMERSET — Chief Todd Costa reports that the Somerset Police Department arrested three individuals following a lengthy investigation into drug activity.

At the end of January, Somerset detectives launched an investigation after having observed what they believed to be an alleged drug transaction in a parking lot in the Slade’s Ferry Business District.

Officers followed the suspect, later determined to be 25-year-old Matthew McDermott of Fall River, to a motel located on Riverside Avenue. During the subsequent investigation, it was learned that 29-year-old Aaron McDermott and Matthew McDermott were using the motel room as a base of operation for their alleged illegal drug dealing operation.

While conducting surveillance over approximately two weeks, detectives observed multiple alleged drug transactions take place. As a result, detectives applied for and were granted search warrants for two motel rooms and a vehicle connected to the suspects.

During search warrants that were executed on Thursday, Feb. 16., officers located and seized 54 grams of suspected fentanyl, 32 grams of suspected crack cocaine and $10,409 in cash.

25-year-old Chelsea Soares of Bristol, who was present at the time the search warrants were executed, was identified and determined to have an active warrant out of Rhode Island for Possession of a Controlled Substance.

All three individuals were arrested at the scene. They were scheduled to be arraigned Friday in Fall River District Court.

Both McDermotts were charged with Trafficking in 36 Grams or More, But Less Than 100 Grams, of Heroin/Morphine/Opium, Trafficking in 18 Grams or More, But Less Than 36 Grams, of Cocaine, and Conspiracy to Violate Drug Law.

The Somerset Detective Division was assisted by members of the Fall River Police Department Vice and Intelligence Unit and the Somerset Police Patrol Division throughout the investigation.