Two Fort Fairfield residents were arrested following a police investigation that began with a reported burglary of a contractor’s service truck on Elm Street. After a police K9 tracked a scent from the vehicle to a residence on Columbia Street, officers obtained search warrants for a vehicle and the home. The searches uncovered approximately 7.8 grams of fentanyl along with a handgun, leading to serious felony charges for both individuals.
The suspects, identified as 33-year-old Timothy Philbrick and 23-year-old Mariah McEwen, face multiple charges including aggravated trafficking of Schedule W drugs and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. According to Fort Fairfield Police Chief Matthew Cummings, the trafficking charge alone carries a potential penalty of up to 30 years in prison. Additional charges related to the initial burglary are currently pending as the investigation continues.
Following the bust, Philbrick was transported to the Aroostook County Jail with bail set at $2,500 cash, while McEwen was released after posting $500 bail. Court records indicate that both individuals have prior histories involving drug-related offenses. Authorities highlighted the role of the K9 unit in successfully linking the initial theft report to the discovery of the illegal narcotics and weapon.
Credit: WGME CBS 13. https://wgme.com/news/local/two-mainers-arrested-in-fort-fairfield-drug-bust-maine-crime-police-fentanyl-mariah-mcewen-timothy-philbrick
