BY MATT HERSH

A Lawrence, Mass., man was arrested at a motel in Salem after trying to sell crack cocaine to an undercover officer.

Jesus Rivera, 24, of 274 Broadway, Apt. 2, was arrested by Salem detectives at about 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 23 at a local motel, according to court documents.

Police seized 42 small bags of heroin and 26 vials of crack cocaine from Rivera.

Rivera had gone to the motel to meet who he thought was a customer when three detectives confronted him inside a rented room.

When he realized what was happening, Rivera tried to swallow some of the crack cocaine before police searched him and found more drugs under his clothes, an affidavit said.

Rivera later revealed to police that he had about 20 customers from Massachusetts, Maine and New Hampshire. 

In a typical month, Rivera would make between $2,000 and $3,000 selling drugs.

He would buy two ounces of cocaine and cook it into crack before selling, the affidavit said.

Salem police were led to Rivera by a tip from Derry police.

Rivera faces two felony counts of possession of a controlled drug with intent to distribute.

He is currently being held on $250,000 bail at Rockingham County Jail.

Rivera has a prior criminal record in Massachusetts which includes assault with a dangerous weapon, drug distribution, drug possession and armed assault in a dwelling, police said.