Belmont Couple Allegedly Let NY Man Sell Fentanyl From Their Home

A Belmont couple and a New York man all face charges for allegedly trafficking in fentanyl.

The arrests were the result of a five-month investigation by the Mid-Coast District Task Force into the illegal sale of drugs in Waldo County, including several undercover agents making purchases of fentanyl from a home on Black Belmont Road in the town of Belmont. Officials say the homeowners, Jere and Judy Waterman, allowed a New York man, Raqwan Ryant, to use their home as a base for selling fentanyl. The Waterman's were not inactive in the operation however, as officials say they recruited customers to come to their home where they sold the fentanyl, provided by Ryant.

On Tuesday afternoon, drug agents executed a search warrant at the Waterman's home and found Ryant in a bedroom. Officials say he allegedly had a loaded handgun and fentanyl in his pockets, at the time. A loaded rifle was also found on a bed in the room, as well as more fentanyl, and approximately $10,000 in suspected drug proceeds. Ryant was transported to the Waldo County Jail, without incident. Officials say more than 150 grams of fentanyl were seized during the search warrant, with an approximate value of $25,000.

Jere and Judy Waterman were both charged with trafficking in fentanyl. They're due in court on November 5th, 2021 in Waldo County.

Anyone with information about this investigation, or the illegal sale of drugs in this state, is urged to contact the MDEA office closest to you, or by texting MDEA to TIP411 (847411), or by calling the MDEA tip-line at 800-452-6457.