Somerset couple face drug charges

SOMERSET — A Somerset man and his girlfriend were charged with selling drugs out of his home and at an intersection behind the high school, the police said.

Joshua Medeiros, 24, of 42 Fordham Drive, and Kimberly Vasconcellos, 23, of 36 Patterson Ave., were charged with possession of heroin with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, conspiracy to violate the controlled-substance act and drug violations in a school zone.

The police had been watching Medeiros’ home for months, following complaints from neighbors. The police said Medeiros was also seen meeting cars at the intersection of Prospect Street and Fordham Drive, behind Somerset High School.

Thursday, officers said they saw Medeiros get into Vasconcellos’ car. A subsequent search of the car revealed bags of a white powder, later found to be heroin. A search of his home revealed hundreds of empty heroin bags, needles and other drug paraphernalia.

The police said they also seized 47 marijuana plants, a grow light, a ventilation system, a digital scale, a small amount of cash, cell phones, notebooks and a drug-storage box.

— Journal staff

Richmond man faces child porn charge

RICHMOND — A Richmond man has been arrested on one felony charge of possession of child pornography, the state police said.

Patrick S. Shawyer, 30, of 439 Church St., Apt. 3, was arrested Friday around 8:30 a.m. at his home. The arrest was the result of a court-authorized search warrant and forensic analysis of his computer by the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force that revealed multiple images of child pornography.

The state police investigated Shawyer after the Department of Children, Youth and Families received a tip that he was viewing child pornography on his home computer.

Shawyer was arraigned in District Court, South Kingstown, where bail was set at $10,000 with surety. A felony screening has been scheduled for Nov. 18.

If convicted, Shawyer faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.

— Journal staff