A 38-year-old Auburn man who is the subject of a long-term drug trafficking investigation related to the sale of marijuana to juveniles has been arrested for allegedly robbing and assaulting a 15-year-old, according to the Auburn Police Department.
Police say that as a result of a long-term investigation into a suspected drug trafficking operation at 93 Fifth St. in Auburn, investigators learned that 38-year-old Ryan Jolicoeur was selling marijuana to a customer base that included local juveniles.
On Sunday, police received a report from a 15-year-old male who said he was walking in New Auburn when Jolicoeur pulled up beside him in his car, got out, threatened him and stole the teen’s shoes, sweatshirt and cellphone before driving away.
Jolicoeur was further accused of circling his car around and returning to assault the juvenile.
Police say the incident between Jolicoeur and the teen stemmed from a past drug trafficking transaction.
Following the juvenile’s report, Auburn Police executed a search warrant at 93 Fifth St., where Jolicoeur was arrested and charged with robbery, theft and assault.
During a search of Jolicoeur’s residence, police say they found more than 20 pounds of marijuana and marijuana products, as well as scales and about $1,600 in suspected drug proceeds.
Due to the large amount of marijuana seized, and the residence’s proximity to a park designated as a “safe zone” by the Auburn City Council, Jolicoeur was charged with aggravated trafficking of scheduled drugs.
Jolicoeur was transported to Androscoggin County Jail, where his bail was set at $10,000.
He has since posted bail and has been released from jail, police said on Monday.
