Traffic Violation leads to Big Drug Bust

From the Middletown Police Department

On June 9 at approximately 9:45 p.m. the Middletown Police Street Crime Unit observed a motor vehicle violation on Pearl St. at the intersection of Liberty St. A motor vehicle stop was initiated on Newfield St. in the area of Westfield St. After an investigation, it was revealed that the two occupants were in possession of a large amount of narcotics.

The operator of the vehicle was identified as Shaun Gaskins of 50 Burgundy Hill Lane., Middletown, Ct. Gaskins was in possession of approximately 9.3 grams of crack cocaine, with a street value of $930.00 dollars. Seized from Shaun Gaskins was $497.00 dollars of suspected narcotic money.

Shaun Gaskins was charged with Possession of Crack Cocaine, Possession of Crack Cocaine with Intent to sell, and Possession of Crack Cocaine with Intent to Sell W/in 1500 Feet of Elementary School. Gaskins was held on a $400,000.00 bond, with a court date of 6/19/09.

Also arrested was the passenger of the vehicle, identified as Keith Davis of 5A Penn Place, Rocky Hill, Ct. Davis was in possession of approximately 2.3 grams of crack cocaine, with a street value of $230.00 dollars. Also seized from Davis was $305.00 dollars of suspected narcotic money.

Davis was charged with Possession of Crack Cocaine, Possession of Crack Cocaine with Intent to sell, and Possession of Crack Cocaine with Intent to Sell W/in 1500 Feet of Elementary School. Davis was held on $250,000.00 dollars bond, with a court date of 6/19/09.

Drug Bust on DeKoven

On 04-02-09 at approx 11:30 am, The Middletown Police Department Street Crime Unit, with the assistance of the Patrol Division, executed a Search and Seizure Warrant on Peter Nodden (DOB 08-28-65) and at Nodden’s residence; 329 DeKoven Drive, first floor rear. During the Street Crime Unit’s normal patrol of the cities north end we observed an abnormal amount of pedestrian traffic coming and going from said residence. We were also advised by neighboring citizens that they believed the residents of 329 DeKoven Drive were possibly involved in some sort of criminal activity.

This information prompted the Street Crime Unit to initiate an investigation.

Peter Nodden was stopped by detectives and patrol officers on Route 9 South while driving with a suspended license and with the wrong marker plate on his vehicle. During a search of Nodden’s vehicle, narcotics K-9 “Rika” positively alerted to the presence of narcotics. Detectives subsequently located a total of forty (40) bags of heroin. The estimated street value of the heroin recovered was approximately $400.00.

Nodden was then transported to his residence (329 DeKoven Drive, first floor rear) where detectives executed the search and seizure warrant at his apartment. Inside the residence were a male and a female. The male in the apartment, identified as a 17 year old Youth, admitted to detectives that he had marijuana in his bedroom. After a search of the bedroom, Detectives located (9) pre-packaged bags of marijuana, an electronic scale, and multiple empty bags for packaging.

Nodden was subsequently arrested for the following charges;

* Possession of Heroin
* Possession of Heroin With Intent to Sell
* Possession of Heroin With Intent to Sell 1500ft of a School Zone
* Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
* Operating a MV While Under Suspension
* Misuse of Marker Plates



The 17 Year Old Youth was subsequently arrested for the following charges;

* Possession of Marijuana
* Possession of Marijuana With Intent to Sell
* Possession of Marijuana With Intent to Sell 1500ft of a School Zone
* Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Peter Nodden was held on a $200,000.00 surety bond.

The 17 Year Old Youth was released on a $5,000.00 non-surety bond.

Any citizen willing to give information concerning possible illegal activities is encouraged to contact Sergeant Chris Lavoie of the Street Crime Unit at 344-3259. All information will remain anonymous.