SALEM - Police arrested a Dover couple on drug charges and outstanding warrants after a police officer investigated a vehicle with its windows covered in sheets and cardboard, parked at the Interstate 93 rest area.

James Vigeant and Katie O'Leary-Valdez, both 25, are being held at the county jail after being taken into custody on Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.

Police Officer Nick Turner was on patrol when he spotted the vehicle in the rest area along Interstate 93 and noticed the sheets covering the windows were moving. He spoke to Vigeant and O'Leary, who were in the back seat.

Vigeant told police he had no identification on him and provided a bogus name, police said.

Turner continued questioning Vigeant and eventually learned he was wanted for active bench warrants at 10th Circuit Court in Hampton. He was taken into custody without incident.

O'Leary-Valdez had been confirming the false identity that Vigeant gave to the officer while the two were being questioned, police said.

Officers recovered hypodermic needles and a small amount of heroin hidden in her groin area, police said. She was charged with falsifying physical evidence, possession of a controlled drug and hindering apprehension.

Vigeant was charged with false reports to law enforcement.



jkimble@newstote.com