Oxycontin News Blog

BELFAST (Nov 3): William Stevens, 67, of Belfast, was arrested Wednesday and charged with two counts of aggravated trafficking in scheduled drugs.

Stevens, who was on federal probation for his involvement with the so-called "Red Devil" heroin ring, allegedly sold methadone pills for which he had a legal prescription. Police Chief Jeff Trafton said Stevens was netting $3,600 to $4,500 a month from the sales.

Bail was set at $50,000 surety or $10,000 cash, Trafton said, though federal officials also placed a probation hold on Stevens, which means he could be re-arrested if he makes bail.

Trafton said Stevens twice sold methadone to undercover agents in Belfast, on Sept. 15 and Oct. 17. The arresting officers were Detective Allen Weaver, who is also an agent for the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, and Detective Jason Trundy of the Waldo County Sheriff's Department.

Trafton said Stevens is the second local man to be arrested recently for selling prescription drugs. Rickie Salisbury, 29, was charged with three counts of unlawful trafficking in scheduled drugs in August after he sold OxyContin pills to undercover agents.

Stevens was part of the heroin distribution ring headed by Robert Orchard, 58, of Northport, and Russell Belden, 42, of Brooks whose arrest made local news in 2002. The gang was identified by the red devil on the heroin packets they sold.

Stevens was charged with transporting more than a pound of cocaine and 1,640 packets of heroin from Massachusetts to Belfast. The "Red Devil" bust was one of the largest ever made in Maine.

Trafton said because of his age, Stevens may receive what is, in effect, a life sentence for selling the methadone pills.

Stevens did not resist arrest, Trafton said. He did complain of chest pains and was taken to Waldo County General Hospital, where he was found to be in good health.

Based in Belfast, Senior Reporter Jay Davis can be reached at 207-338-0484 or by e-mail at jdavis@villagesoup.com.

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