Great Barrington — On Wednesday, Jan. 27, Great Barrington Police officers made three arrests related to an ongoing narcotics investigation, Chief Paul Storti said in a recent statement.
Officers conducted two motor vehicle stops in the early afternoon and arrested Great Barrington resident Aaron Strampach, 34, and charged him with distribution of a Class A drug and trafficking a controlled substance of more than 36 grams. Joshua Brendline, 34, and Sherri Simmons, 29, both of Copake, N.Y., were arrested and charged with possession of a Class A substance.
A large amount of cash and a substance believed to be mostly fentanyl were seized. Field analysis suggests it was trafficking weight, or sufficient quantity for a dealer to sell. All three were booked at the Great Barrington Police Department and released on personal recognizance. They will be arraigned in Southern Berkshire District Court next week.
In addition to the two traffic stops, officers executed a search warrant on a local hotel room and Strambach’s vehicle. Lead investigating Officer Christopher Peebles was assisted by Officer Andres Huertas and Officer Bradley Lupiani. Officer Tim Ullrich with K9 Titan, Officer Joe O’Brien, and Officer Elias Casey also assisted. The Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office also provided assistance in the investigation.
“I congratulate the officers in their great investigative work,” Storti said. “We are happy to get these drugs off our streets.”
Storti said he wanted to remind the community that resources are available to those struggling with addiction. Anyone in need of help is encouraged to reach out to the Great Barrington Police Department, which will connect them to one of the department’s partners who specializes in addiction services.
