Lawrence resident Antonio "Tony" Solano, 40, was arraigned on multiple drug charges yesterday following the discovery of illegal substances at a local daycare center. The Essex County District Attorney’s Office reported that last Friday, law enforcement officials, including the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit attached to DA Paul F. Tucker's office, the Northshore Gang Unit, and the Lawrence Police Department's Street Narcotics Enforcement Unit, executed a search warrant at Sixta Child Daycare on Ames Street. The warrant was part of an ongoing investigation that led to the seizure of various drugs, including fentanyl and methamphetamine. According to the Essex County DA's Office, the incident occurred while two young children were present at the daycare.
The charges against Solano are severe, to say the least. He has been accused of trafficking in fentanyl, specifically 36 grams or upwards, alongside two counts of trafficking in more than 10 grams of the same substance, distribution of methamphetamine, distribution of a Class B substance, and possession with the intent to quickly distribute a Class B substance. In court, Solano maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to all the charges levied against him. Judge Carol-Ann Fraser set Solano's bail at $25,000, as per the statement from the DA's office.
Local authorities have reminded everyone that the presumption of innocence applies until proven guilty. The daycare is now under scrutiny, and parents and caregivers have lost trust. The case isn't over yet, with Solano scheduled to return to court on January 3, 2025, for a probable cause hearing.
