Scott D. Benton, Chief of Police
20 Essex St
Whitman, MA 02382
For Immediate Release
Saturday, March 30, 2019
Contact: Jordan Mayblum
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: jordan@jgpr.net
W.E.B. Task Force Arrests Whitman Man on Numerous Drugs and Weapons Charges, Seize Over 100 THC Infused Drinks
WHITMAN — Whitman Police Chief Scott D. Benton reports that a Whitman resident was arrested on several drug and weapon charges yesterday following a joint investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies.
DEREK SHEEHAN, AGE 35, OF WHITMAN was arrested and charged with:
- Possession of a Large Capacity Firearm
- Possession of a Firearm With a Defaced Serial Number
- Distribution of a Class C Drug (Three Counts)
- Possession of a Class C Drug
- Possession of a Class C Drug With Intent to Distribute
- Possession of a Class B Drug
- Possession of a Class D Drug With Intent to Distribute
On Friday, March 29, an investigation by the W.E.B Major Crimes and Drug Task Force, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Plymouth County Bureau of Criminal Investigation culminated in the arrest of SHEEHAN, after he allegedly sold THC infused drinks to an undercover police detective on three occasions earlier this month.
The W.E.B. Task Force is a combined unit consisting of detectives from the Whitman, West Bridgewater, East Bridgewater, Bridgewater and Bridgewater State University Police Departments.
As a result of their investigation, the Task Force determined that the drinks contained 100 to 150 mg of THC each and subsequently applied for a search warrant, which they executed yesterday.
During the execution of the warrant at 35 Warren Ave., which occurred beginning at approximately 1 p.m. Friday, detectives learned that SHEEHAN allegedly had an unregistered firearm in his possession, which he assembled himself after buying parts online on the “dark web.” The weapon was seized.
In addition, police located and seized 138 bottles of THC infused drinks and liquids, THC infused cookies and extracts, a bag containing mushrooms, THC vape cartridges, marijuana and several containers filled with liquid believed to be associated with the production of THC infused beverages. Police also located two blue pills inside SHEEHAN’S home, as well as over $5,000 in cash.
A subsequent search of SHEEHAN’S vehicle yielded an additional 25 bottles of THC infused liquid and approximately one pound of marijuana.
Detectives also located documents containing used and unused labels resembling the ones on the bottles, a plastic bag containing hundreds of unused plastic bottles identical to the ones purchased earlier in the investigation.
“This was a comprehensive investigation that resulted in the arrest of an individual who was flagrantly violating our drug and firearm laws and — in my opinion — specifically targeting kids and young adults with these products,” Chief Benton said. “I want to thank all of our law enforcement partners who made this investigation, arrest and seizure possible, resulting in the removal of drugs and a deadly firearm, which pose serious risks to the safety of the public and our officers, from our streets.”
SHEEHAN was arrested without incident yesterday and is currently being held at the Plymouth House of Corrections on $75,000 bail pending his arraignment in Brockton District Court, which is scheduled for Monday.
These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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