Linneus man pleads guilty to involvement in drug trafficking in Penobscot and Aroostook County

BANGOR, Maine (WAGM) – A Linneus man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor for his role in a conspiracy to distribute and possess methamphetamine and fentanyl with intent to distribute.

According to court records between January 2018 and December 2021 James Valiante42, and others trafficked methamphetamine and fentanyl in Penobscot and Aroostook counties and elsewhere. Valiante, a drug trafficker in Aroostook County, participated in the conspiracy by regularly obtaining quantities of drugs from his source in the Bangor area.

Valiante faces 10 years to life in prison and a fine of up to $10 million, followed by up to five years of probation. A federal district judge will determine the sentence, taking into account U.S. sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

In this and related cases, 21 defendants have been charged with their involvement in the drug trafficking conspiracy in northern Maine. To date, 10 of the defendants have been convicted and nine have pleaded guilty:

Sentenced:

• Andrew Adams (32, Aroostook County) – 10 years
• Wayne Smith (33, Bangor) – 85 months
• Danielle McBreairty (34, Glenburn) – 20 years
• Blaine Footman (38, Bangor) – 5 years
• Nicole Footman (41, Holden) – 3 years
• Dwight Gary, Jr. (54, Medway) – Served
• Matthew Catalano (38, Penobscot County) – 165 months
• Thomas Hammond (26, Charleston) – 84 months
• Christopher Coty (44, Bangor) – 4 years
• James King (55, Caribou) – 165 months

Pleaded guilty:

• Sarah McBreairty (36, Dixmont)
• John Miller (23, Caribou)
• Shelby Loring (29, Bangor)
• Joshua Young (48, Presque Isle)
• Joshua Jerrell (30, Orrington)
• Carol Gordon (53, Bangor)
• Jason Cunrod (42, Caribou)
• Aaron Rodgers (43, Bangor)
• James Valiante, 42 (Linneus)

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency investigated the case. Assistance was provided by police departments in Orono, Bangor, Brewer, Caribou, Presque Isle, and Houlton. U.S. Attorney Darcie McElwee also acknowledged the cooperation and coordination of the Maine Attorney General's Office and the Aroostook County District Attorney's Office.

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