BY DARRELL HALEN

A Pelham woman is accused of manufacturing crack cocaine in her own home and selling it to customers from Pelham and surrounding communities.

Pelham police said their arrest of Priscilla Champagne, 50, of 14 Hobbs Road, and seven other people is the result of a two-month investigation into the sale, possession and manufacturing of cocaine and crack cocaine in town.

During a surveillance of Champagne’s home, police said, detectives identified several people whom they believed were taking part in drug transactions.

When carrying out a search warrant at Champagne’s home, officers seized a small quantity of cocaine and marijuana and seized several items they believe were used to manufacture cocaine.

Those items included spoons, baking soda, rubbing alcohol, tin foil and small tools, said Lt. Gary Fisher.

Champagne faces two counts of manufacturing crack cocaine, two counts of selling cocaine, sale of crack
cocaine, possession of cocaine, two counts of transporting cocaine and possession of marijuana.

“She’s a street dealer. She’s not moving large quantities but ... she had a clientele in Pelham and in Massachusetts,” Fisher said.

Police said they arrested several of Champagne’s alleged customers in the late evening of Wednesday, Aug. 22, and the early morning of Thursday, Aug. 23., as they left her home.

The following people were arrested: Ezequiel Nieves, 27, Lawrence, Mass., charged with sale of cocaine and resisting arrest. Fisher said police believe Nieves swallowed a quantity of cocaine when he was taken into custody.

Theresa Jutras, 36, Lowell, Mass., charged with possession of crack cocaine, possession of marijuana, transporting crack cocaine, transporting marijuana, and operating with a suspended registration.

Richard Ryder, 53, Lowell, Mass., charged with possession of marijuana.

Peter Contraros, 43, Pelham, charged with driving after revocation.

Michael Desjardins, 36, Dracut, Mass., charged with possession of cocaine, transporting cocaine.

Robert Roy, 57, charged with possession of cocaine.

Donna Lyons, 35, charged with hindering apprehension. Fisher said Lyons gave false information as to who she is. Police believe she is wanted in Boston on warrants.

Police said they are continuing their investigation and expect to make additional arrests and seek more search warrants.

All the suspects will be arraigned Sept. 10 in Salem District Court.