MDEA PRESS RELEASE
Hancock, Maine-
A husband and wife from Hancock were arrested Tuesday, April 25, 2023, following an investigation into the distribution of fentanyl throughout Hancock County. MDEA was assisted in this investigation by the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office and the Ellsworth Police Department.
In September of 2022, MDEA Special Agents assigned to the Downeast Task Force opened an investigation involving the sale of the highly addictive and deadly drug, fentanyl by Jacob and Crystal Carney. This investigation included a number of undercover purchases of fentanyl from the pair in Hancock County.
Just before noon on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, MDEA investigators, assisted by the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle containing the Carneys on the Buttermilk Road in Lamoine. At this time 32-year-old Jacob Carney and 37-year-old Crystal Carney were taken into custody and charged with (2) counts each of Aggravated Trafficking in Schedule W Drugs (fentanyl). Following these arrests, MDEA agents accompanied by Hancock County Sheriff’s Deputies executed a search warrant on the Carney’s residence on Thistle Lane in Hancock.
Seized as a result of the search warrant was approximately (46) grams of fentanyl, $6900 in suspected drug proceeds, along with a 2016 Kawasaki off road motorcycle which investigators determined was traded for fentanyl. Estimated street value of the fentanyl seized was approximately $7000. In the home at the time the search warrant was executed was a minor child. A referral was made to the Department of Health and Human Services.
Both Carneys were transported to the Hancock County. A bail commissioner refused to set bail as both are currently out on bail. Jacob Carney was out on (6) sets of bail while Crystal Carney aka: Crystal Costin was out on (3) sets of bail. Both are expected to make an initial court appearance this week in Hancock County.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Booking photos are available from the Hancock County Jail.
The MDEA stands committed to working with all federal, state, county and local law enforcement partners in order to continue to identify and disrupt drug trafficking organizations who are attempting to distribute illicit drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine in the State of Maine. This investigation is continuing, and more arrests are likely.
If you suffer with substance use disorder please call 211 or text your zip code to 898-211 for a list of resources available in your area.
If you have information about this investigation or the illegal sale of drugs in your community, you are urged to contact the Maine Drug Enforcement office closest to you or by texting MDEA to TIP411 (847411) or by calling the MDEA tip-line at 1-800-452-6457.