Anthony Taylor, 28, of 587 Beacon Circle, and Timothy Visneau, 27 of 76 Keith St., and 126 Union St., apartment 715, Westfield. Each was charged with trafficking cocaine in excess of 200 grams. Springfield Police Sgt. John M. Delaney, aide to Commissioner William J. Fitchet, said police had 76 Keith St. under surveillance after developing information that it was a source of drug activity. Taylor and Visneau were both considered suspects, he said. Officers observed Visneau pacing on the sidewalk in front of 76 Keith St. shortly after 7:30 p.m., Delaney said.
After a few moments, officers observed a Toyota SUV turn onto Keith Street, drive past the house, make a U-turn and then stop in front. The driver, Taylor, got out and began talking with Visneau for a few moments. Officers moved in when Visneau and Taylor unloaded a blue ice cooler from the rear of the vehicle, Delaney said. Taylor tried to flee and was tackled by officers. Inside the cooler, police found two bricks of pure cocaine, weighing 2,110 grams, or 4.6 pounds. Visneau was found in possession of $22,000 in cash wrapped in a Dunkin' Donuts bag, Delaney said.
Delaney said the arrests are a part of Fitchet's targeting of illegal drugs, prostitution and gang activity in the lower Belmont Avenue area. Delaney said police suspect the cocaine would have been converted into crack cocaine and sold on the streets of Springfield. Each pleaded innocent at their arraignments in Springfield District Court. Taylor was ordered held on $100,000 cash bail, while Visneau was ordered held on $15,000 bail. Each is due back in court on Aug. 20 for a bind-over hearing to determine if their cases should be moved to Superior Court.
Delaney said police doubt Taylor gave his real name at the time of arrest. He had identification on him that gave his name as Andre Taylor, he said. Police are also checking with U.S. Immigration to determine if he is in the country legally.
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