AUGUSTA — Investigators didn’t have to check too many databases to find identification for a rifle-toting man who called himself “Hillbilly” during an illegal drug transaction last July 12 in Farmingdale.

Gerard Boynton

They went back two weeks later and saw the same man — this time without a shirt — and noticed “Boynton” tattooed on his back.

A check of records at the Kennebec County jail identified the suspect at Gerard S. Boynton, 30, of Monmouth.

On Tuesday, at the Capital Judicial Center, Boynton was sentenced to an initial three years in prison for unlawful trafficking in drugs. The remainder of the eight-year sentence was suspended while Boynton spends three years on probation.

Boynton had pleaded guilty to three counts of unlawful trafficking, two involving heroin and one involving cocaine base. The offenses occurred July 12 and Nov. 7. 2017, all on Ryder Road in Farmingdale. In exchange for the pleas, the state dismissed three charges of aggravated trafficking from the same dates.

Boynton also agreed to forfeit a Winchester rifle seized by Maine Drug Enforcement Agency officers when they executed a search warrant Nov. 7, 2017, at 11 Ryder Road, Farmingdale.

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The raid came a day after neighbors called police to say they suspected drug transactions were taking place at that address because of the high volume of short-term traffic there.

Boynton sold half a gram each of heroin and cocaine to an individual cooperating with police on the July 12, 2017, according to an affidavit by Special Agent Nathan Walker. The sale was witnessed by another officer.

The other offense was dated the day of th e raid, when police reported finding a co-defendant, Antoan Cross, 39, of Waterbury Connecticut, inside the home with 48.7 grams of suspected heroin on him as well as $1,585 in cash.

Cross was arrested on aggravated drug trafficking charges Nov. 7, and remains at the Kennbec County jail in lieu of bail. A dispositional conference in his case is set for next month.

Betty Adams — 621-5631

badams@centralmaine.com

Twitter: @betadams

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