Newport police apprehend two in separate incidents involving drugs, vehicle theft

NEWPORT – The Newport Police Department announced the arrest of two individuals in separate incidents on Wednesday, involving drug possession and vehicle theft.

In the first incident, Shelby Hilson, 41, of Newport, was arrested and charged with possession and control of regulated drugs, a felony, and violation of conditions of release on three counts.

The arrest occurred on Wednesday night at around 11:10 p.m. when officers noticed an unfamiliar red Ford F-150 in the municipal building parking lot at 222 Main Street. Upon approaching the vehicle, which had moved to the lower-level lot, officers identified Hilson as the passenger, holding a small bag with a white powdery substance. Further investigation led to the discovery of cocaine and crack totaling four grams, along with drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle.

Hilson, arrested without incident, was found to have violated a court order from a separate incident and is scheduled for arraignment in Orleans District Court.

The second incident involved Joseph Canto, 52, of Newport, who faced charges including driving with a criminally suspended license and operation without owner’s consent, classified as grand larceny.

The arrest followed the theft of a 2017 Jeep Cherokee left running outside a business on East Main Street earlier that day. Police recovered the vehicle near Third and Summer streets, where they identified and searched Canto, who was in possession of several needles, including one containing Fentanyl.

Canto, lodged on $200 bail, is being held at Northern State Correctional Facility in Newport and awaits arraignment in Orleans District Court.

Additionally, police say Sheila Canto, 57, of Newport and sister of Joseph Canto, will be cited for providing false information to an officer during the vehicle theft investigation. She was previously charged in connection with a Jan. 11 motor vehicle theft and was on conditions of release at the time of this incident.