An investigation into alleged heroin and crack distribution out of a Vassalboro home has led to eight arrests.

The Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office and Maine Drug Enforcement Agency’s South Central Task Force, based in Augusta, have been jointly investigating. Handguns and a wide variety of illicit drugs have been seized.

The investigation involves the continued disturbing trend of out-of-state drug traffickers setting up shop in Maine. MDEA investigators, working closely with Kennebec County deputies, have shut down an alleged operation involving distribution of heroin and crack cocaine from 38 Whitehouse Road in Vassalboro. Agents and deputies have conducted a number of undercover buys of both of these drugs from people inside the residence. Late Friday afternoon, a search warrant was executed.

Investigators seized an estimated 28 grams of heroin, 65 grams of crack, 25 grams of cocaine HCL (powdered cocaine), 15 grams of methamphetamine and 12 grams of psilocybin mushrooms. The total street value of the drugs exceeded $15,000. In addition, three handguns, about $2,000 in suspected drug proceeds and other evidence of alleged drug trafficking were seized.

Vassalboro Police Department and the Maine State Police helped the MDEA and Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office with the search.

The following have been charged, thus far, as a result of this investigation:

Richard “Stash” Baker, 34, of New York, New York. Baker has been charged with two counts of Class “A” Aggravated Trafficking in Schedule W Drugs (heroin and crack) and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. The charge has been aggravated due to the presence of a firearm, the amount of drugs seized and Baker’s prior drug felony conviction. Bail has been set at $60,000 cash.

Joseph “Joe Daddy” Gagnon, 59, of Vassalboro. Gagnon has been charged with two counts of Class “A” Aggravated Trafficking in Schedule W Drugs (heroin and crack) and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. The charge has been aggravated due to the presence of a firearm, the amount of drugs seized and Gagnon’s prior drug felony conviction. Bail has been set at $30,000 cash.

Tayshaun Gibson, 25, of Albany, New York. Gibson has been charged with one count of Class “A” Aggravated Trafficking in Schedule W Drugs (heroin and crack). The charge was aggravated due to the presence of a firearm and the amount of drugs seized. Bail was set at $50,000 cash.

Alijah Jenkins, 22, of Troy, New York. Jenkins has been charged with one count of Class “A” Aggravated Trafficking in Schedule W Drugs (heroin and crack). The charge was aggravated due to the presence of a firearm and the amount of drugs seized. Bail was set at $40,000 cash.

Rosemily Rivera, 24, of Troy, New York. Rivera has been charged with one count of Class “A” Aggravated Trafficking in Schedule W Drugs (heroin and crack). The charge was aggravated due to the presence of a firearm and the amount of drugs seized. Bail was set at $40,000 cash.

Jocelyn Jones, 28, of China. Jones has been charged with one count of Class “A” Aggravated Trafficking in Schedule W Drugs (heroin and crack) and Possession of Schedule W Drugs. The trafficking charge was aggravated due to the presence of a firearm and the amount of drugs seized. Bail was set at $30,000 cash.

Austin Bond, 25, of Jefferson. Bond has been charged with one count of Possession of Schedule W Drugs (Oxycodone). Bail was set at $5,000 cash.

Kendra Vigue, 34, of Gardiner. Vigue was arrested on an outstanding warrant for failure to appear on drug trafficking charges.

“This case exemplifies the importance of interagency cooperation,” Kennebec County Sheriff Ryan Reardon said. “The results speak for themselves. Continued diligence by the agents, officers and deputies involved with support by their respective administrations will impact this endemic for the citizens of Maine.”

All eight arrested were being held at Kennebec County Jail.

MDEA will continue to work closely with the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office on this investigation. More arrests are possible.

Anyone with information for this investigation, or about the illegal sale of drugs in Maine, is urged to contact the MDEA office closest to you or call the MDEA tip line at 800-452-6457.