The Bristol Press

BRISTOL -- A city woman facing numerous drug charges was held overnight Tuesday with bond set at $251,000, lowered to $121,000 at her arraignment Wednesday morning in Superior Court.

Lydia Marselle, also known as Lydia Rivera, according to police reports, was arrested when members of the Narcotics Enforcement Team, Criminal Investigation Division and Crime Suppression Unit executed a search-and-seizure warrant at her 98 Jerome Ave. address and reportedly found large amounts of drugs and cash.

The 45-year-old Marselle was charged with three counts each of possession of cocaine, sale of cocaine and sale of cocaine within 1,500 feet of a public housing project.

According to police reports, execution of the search warrant and Marselle’s arrest are the culmination of a long investigation.

According to court records read at Marselle’s arraignment, she allegedly sold drugs to a police department confidential informant March 3 and 8.

When arrested, Marselle was in possession of 4 grams of cocaine in individual packages, ready for street sale; more than a gram of powder cocaine; heroin and about $1,400 cash, according to court records.

Marselle’s attorney, Deron Freeman, argued for a reduction in his client’s bond amount because he said she has minimal income, most of which comes from the care of her grandchildren who live in the area.

When Freeman asked Judge Christina Dunnell to consider Marselle’s children and grandchildren, none of whom reside with her, Dunnell said, "I don’t like to think about her children, because if she’s guilty it means she didn’t think of anyone else’s children."

Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Ronald Dearstyne said when it prosecutes the case, the state will be seeking substantial prison time, and called Marselle’s alleged drug sales "an ongoing enterprise."

Marselle was also charged with driving with her license under suspension.

According to court records, Marselle has a minimal criminal history, including a possession of marijuana conviction from 2000. Those records indicate she has never failed to appear for a court date and she has twice, successfully completed probationary periods.

Based on Marselle’s history and limited funds, Dunnell set the total bond amount at $121,000 for all 10 charges, including the motor vehicle violation, and continued the case to March 29.

Marselle will be held at York Correctional Institute in Niantic if unable to post bond.