Suspected Drug Dealer Mutilated Fingerprints To Avoid ID: Cops

DEDHAM, MA — An alleged heroin dealer in Dedham from the Dominican Republic was taken into custody Thursday morning.

Bernice Mejia was arrested and charged with possession of Class A substance with the intent to distribute, distribution of Class A substance, conspiracy to violate controlled substance act, possession of a fraudulent registry of motor vehicle document and providing a false name to police after arrest, according to the Dedham Police Department.

Dedham detectives arrested Mejia after allegedly witnessing him sell heroin in the Oakdale section of town. Police say Mejia attempted to ingest the drugs in an effort to keep them from being discovered.

At the time of his arrest, Mejia allegedly possessed a fake Pennsylvania driver’s license in the name of Luis Rodriguez. Police learned during the booking process that Mejia mutilated all of his finger tips in an attempt prevent his real identity from being discovered.

Mejia was previously arrested during 2013 for selling drugs in West Roxbury and subsequently deported back to the Dominican Republic.

Detectives assigned to the NORPAC Task Force assisted with the arrest.

Image via Dedham Police Department