Ongoing drug sweep nets 8 suspects, 4 of Rochester

From left,Tiauanna Purslow-Wright, Nina Batista (Police photos)

DOVER, N.H. - After some five weeks of an ongoing sweeping investigation into local trafficking of various drugs, the Strafford County Sheriff's Office announced on Monday the arrest of eight suspects, including four from Rochester.

Those arrested in the Lilac City include:

A Feb. 1 arrest of Tiauanna Purslow-Wright, 21, a transient on a warrant for sale of heroin. She was released on personal recognizance and is scheduled to appear in the Rochester District Circuit Court in March.

A Jan. 29 arrest of Nina Batista, 21, of 17 Winter St. Apt. #2, on a warrant for sale of heroin. She was released on personal recognizance pending an appearance in Strafford County Superior Court in February.

A Jan. 29 arrest of Dustin Howland, 22, of 17 Winter St., Apt #2 on a warrant for sale of heroin. He was released on personal recognizance pending a Rochester District Court arraignment in March.

A Jan. 13 arrest of Tracey Hinson, 46, of 24 Buffy St., on a warrant for sale of Oxycodone. She was released on personal recognizance pending a Rochester District Court arraignment later this month.

Dustin Howland

Strafford County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Joseph T. McGivern said on Monday that the arrests, all coordinated by the Strafford County Drug Task Force, were not necessarily connected but part of an ongoing systematic prosecution of drug dealers throughout the Seacoast. He said the investigations included "controlled buys" and close coordination with area police.

Tracey Hinson

Also arrested were Bryson Lewis, 34, of 149 Portland Ave. Apt. #49 in Dover on a heroin charge; Tracy Tatro, 40, of 484 Silver St. in Rollinsford for crack possession; Jessica Pittman, 35, LKA of 53 Franklin St., Somersworth, for heroin possession with intent to distribute and possession of crack; Tim Carignan, 27, of 21 Cornfield Dr., Somersworth, for possession of crack.

Assisting in the investigation and arrests were Dover, Rochester, Somersworth, Rollinsford Police Departments, and New Hampshire State Police.