<p>Alexander Carlson, 30, of Edgartown, was arraigned in Edgartown district court Friday on charges of trafficking in fentanyl and resisting arrest.</p>
Alexander Carlson, 30, of Edgartown, was arraigned in Edgartown district court Friday on charges of trafficking in fentanyl and resisting arrest.
The Hon. J. Thomas Kirkman, presiding justice of the district court, reduced bail from $100,000 to $25,000 after hearing arguments from the prosecutor and the defense attorney at the arraignment.
Not guilty pleas were entered by the court on Mr. Carlson’s behalf.
Cape and Islands assistant district attorney Benjamin Vaneria argued for bail to remain at $100,000, as it had been set by district court clerk/magistrate Liza Williamson Monday following Mr. Carlson’s arrest.
Hon. J. Thomas Kirkland, presiding district court judge.
Hon. J. Thomas Kirkland, presiding district court judge.
“We’re asking for $100,000 based on the defendant’s record of convictions, the potential penalty if he is convicted of these particular charges, and the nature and circumstances of the execution of a search warrant,” said Mr. Vaneria. “He’s had two separate instances where he’s gone to jail for drug distribution.”
Fentanyl is a synthetic narcotic, described as 50 times more potent than heroin, and is widely blamed for a spike in overdoses in the Cape and Islands region.
The prosecutor said the drug is too dangerous for police to handle.
“Police made the decision not to take any of the drugs out and test it, due to how potent fentanyl is,” said Mr. Vaneria. “Based on the investigation, and police looking at the drugs, there is good faith probable cause basis to believe it is fentanyl.”
Defense attorney Robert Moriarty asked the judge not to be swayed by passion or prejudice.
“I would suggest $100,000 bail in a case like this is a manslaughter bail,” said Mr. Moriarty. “It’s an extraordinary request. Mr. Carlson shows up for court. I can’t divorce him from his record, but he shows up. He has substantial ties to this community. I’d ask that you set realistic bail, in line with other cases. I would suggest with his record and his ties, $15,000 is appropriate when taking into account all the factors you have to assess.”
Judge Kirkman settled on $25,000 bail, and ordered Mr. Carlson back to court for a pretrial hearing on Nov. 13.
Comments
My daughter died because of
Kevin Frawley EdgartownMy daughter died because of this drug- and this judge shows compassion- shame on him!
This saddens me -
Mikey TisburyThis saddens me -
Is this for real. Over doses
Carrie LaMonica KatamaIs this for real. Over doses galore and this Edgartown judge shows compassion.
I am always baffled by the
GW NYCI am always baffled by the low bail amounts for drug offenses onisland. I see the same names appearing year after year in the papers and they always reoffend. What is going on with the repeated arrests and the light sentences and bail ammounts on the Vineyard ? If these people were in NYC , they would be sent away for a long time or would be dead . The island would be better off if either were the case. Wake up Vineyard legal system !
The safest place for Alex is
PF OBThe safest place for Alex is in jail. It is safer for the public and safer for him, so he doesn't over dose. The judge is not doing anyone any favors.
Where is the judge's sense of
jd edgartownWhere is the judge's sense of responsibility. Drugs are such a huge problem and this guy is a multiple offender.....he should be kept off the streets.
Fentanyl will kill over 120
MBB EdgartownFentanyl will kill over 120,000 people this year in USA. Lethal drug and should be handled with extreme care. This person needs help, and the judge is not doing him any favors with the bail, it should be $1,000,000, keeping in mind they only need to come up with the 10% for him to walk out and continue with his craft?
I was raised on the island
Victoria Duart Falmouth MassI was raised on the island and the heroin and fentanyl issue hear in Falmouth and the Island need to be addressed it is killing our children and it is not right they get a slap on the hand and told don't do it again ridiculous. Please think of our children growing up in this world.
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