Two men face drug trafficking charges after one of them led police on a foot chase during a bail compliance check in Auburn.
Officers chased down 46-year-old Nathon Taylor of Augusta, who fled out the back of the residence of 41-year-old Luke Merriam with a large amount of cocaine.
Police then searched the home and found 1,898 grams (4.2 pounds) of crystal methamphetamine, 331 grams of cocaine HCL, 144 grams of fentanyl, 73 grams of heroin, and 21 grams of cocaine base (crack) were seized. The drugs seized have a street value of approximately $90,000.
Officers say they also found digital scales and other evidence of drug manufacturing and trafficking in the home.
Merriam is charged with five counts of Aggravated Trafficking Schedule Drugs, class A, three counts of Unlawful Possession of Schedule “W” Drugs, class B, two counts of Unlawful Possession of Schedule “W” Drugs, class C, and Violation of Conditions of Release, class E.
(Image from Auburn Police)
Taylor is charged with five counts of Aggravated Trafficking Schedule Drugs, class A, three counts of Unlawful Possession of Schedule “W” Drugs, class B, two counts of Unlawful Possession of Schedule “W” Drugs, class C, Assault, class D, Refusing to Submit to Arrest or Detention, class E, and Violation of Conditions of Release, class E. The assault charge was added after Tyler had spat in an officer’s face while being booked at the county jail.
(Image from Auburn Police)
Both men were taken to the Androscoggin County Jail and are being held without bail.
Also arrested at the residence was 30-year-old Jessica Simmons of Gardner. Simmons was taken into custody on multiple outstanding warrants for an arrest unrelated to this case.
