A Webster man with a hefty track record of 96 criminal charges was arrested once again, this time for trafficking fentanyl after being pulled over for a motor vehicle violation. According to a social media post from the Webster Police Department, the incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, January 6.
Officer Shane Murray initiated the stop on Park Avenue due to an inspection sticker violation. Together with Sergeant Sean Ebbeling and Officer David Brooks, the officers discovered that the driver, Mr. Ryan Hassett, was operating the vehicle on a suspended license, while the passenger also lacked a valid license, necessitating a tow of the car. Hassett was subsequently placed under arrest, and a search of the vehicle unearthed a rubber container filled with crack cocaine and fentanyl, among other drug paraphernalia.
While Hassett was being transported to the police headquarters, Officer Murray noticed him concealing more crack cocaine on his person. Back at the station, further review of the cruiser's cabin camera footage revealed Hassett attempting to hide three clear baggies containing a white substance by passing them through a small metal grate in the prisoner compartment. The seized baggies were filled with approximately 21 grams of fentanyl and additional crack cocaine.
As a result of these findings, Mr. Hassett, 34, of Market Street, Webster, faces multiple charges, including trafficking fentanyl (10 grams or more), possession of a Class A drug (heroin), possession of a Class B drug (crack cocaine), and operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license. He was previously known to the Massachusetts legal system, with 96 criminal charges before this arrest. The Webster Police Department reminds the public through their post that "All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in the court of law."
