Fentanyl arrests in Dexter

DEXTER — As the result of a joint fentanyl trafficking investigation among MDEA’s North Central Task Force and the Dexter Police Department, a Dexter man, his son, and a female have been charged with drug trafficking offenses.

For the past several months, the MDEA, along with the Dexter Police Department have been investigating a home on Garland Road from which fentanyl was suspected of being sold. This investigation included several undercover purchases of the drug from individuals inside the home.

On March 8 MDEA agents and the Dexter Police Department arrested three individuals in connection with this investigation, following the execution of a search warrant on the Garland Road residence where the trio resided. 

Arrested and charged thus far in connection with this investigation are: 

Norman Bashaw Jr., 59 of Dexter, charged with Class B Trafficking in fentanyl

Norman Bashaw III, 27 of Dexter, charged with Class B Trafficking in fentanyl. Bashaw III also had three outstanding warrants for his arrest. He was found hiding in a crawl space, beneath a trap door in the home’s floor.

Kayla Tasker, 30 of Dexter, charged with Class B Trafficking in fentanyl.

The 18-month-old child of Bashaw III and Tasker was present in the home at the time of the arrests and has since been turned over to the custody of DHHS.

All three were transported to the Piscataquis County Jail and are expected to make an initial appearance this afternoon in Penobscot County Unified Court.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

If you have information about this investigation or the illegal sale of drugs in your community, you are urged to contact the Maine Drug Enforcement office closest to you or by texting MDEA to TIP411 (847411) or by calling the MDEA tip-line at 1-800-452-6457.

If you suffer from substance use disorder, please call 211 or text your zip code to 898-211 for a list of resources available in your area.