NASHUA — Authorities announced the arrest of seven individuals in connection with various drug crimes and other offenses as part of a joint law enforcement initiative known as “Operation Granite Shield.” The week-long operation, which began on May 15, was spearheaded by the Hudson Police Department, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the Nashua Police Department’s Narcotics Intelligence Division.
Leading the arrest list was James Mackerchar, 49, of Nashua, who was apprehended at his residence on Temple Street during the execution of a search warrant. Mackerchar faces numerous charges including three counts of sale of a controlled drug (heroin/fentanyl), one count of sale of a controlled drug (methamphetamine), and possession of a controlled drug with intent to distribute (heroin/fentanyl), among others. These charges are subsequent offenses for Mackerchar, who has a prior drug conviction in the state. He was released on cash bail, pending arraignment at the Hillsborough County Superior Court- Southern District.
Also from the same building on Temple Street, Sarah Lafond, 33, was arrested and charged with sale of a controlled drug (heroin/fentanyl) – a subsequent offense. She was released on personal recognizance bail ahead of her arraignment.
Shaun Jerome, 45, who is currently without a fixed address, was charged with possession of a controlled drug; heroin/fentanyl. Jerome, like Lafond, was released on personal recognizance bail pending his arraignment.
Jason Cloutier, 45, of Manchester, was charged with criminal liability for sale of a controlled drug (heroin/fentanyl), a subsequent offense. Cloutier is currently being held pending his arraignment at the Hillsborough County Superior Court.
At another address in Nashua, Gregory Levesque, 34, was arrested for operating after revocation or suspension, a class A misdemeanor, and a Nashua Police Department arrest warrant charging him with criminal mischief. Levesque was released on personal recognizance bail and will be arraigned at the 9th Circuit District Division – Nashua Court.
Dorian Phoenix, 39, of Hudson, was arrested for being a fugitive from justice and is being held on preventative detention pending his arraignment at the Hillsborough County Superior Court.
Lastly, James Dorris, 47, also of Hudson, was arrested for failing to comply with a sexual offender registration. Dorris was released on personal recognizance bail, pending his future arraignment at the Hillsborough County Superior Court – Southern District.
These arrests form part of a coordinated effort to combat drug crimes and related offenses in New Hampshire. The extent of these crimes and the ongoing investigations underline the seriousness with which local law enforcement agencies are tackling such offenses.
