Nashua 'Granite Shield' Crime Sweep: 5 Arrests

NASHUA, NH — Five suspects were arrested in the latest Nashua police "Granite Shield" crime sweep this week, authorities announced Friday. The suspects were charged with crimes involving methamphetamine and heroin. The arrests were part of an ongoing series of Nashua police drug sweeps under the "Granite Shield" program, a state-funded initiative targeting opioid distribution in communities like Nashua, Manchester, Portsmouth and Salem.

The sweep resulted in "individuals ... arrested for various drug crimes, and various crimes frequently associated with criminal behavior related to drug activity," Nashua police Captain James Testaverde said in a statement. The sweep was conducted Wednesday. These are the suspects and their charges:

Michael Docos, 60, of Nashua, was charged with heroin possession and falsifying evidence. He also had a drug-related warrant. He was held on $25,000 bail.

Joshua Benoit, 21, of Nashua, was charged with cocaine possession and falsifying evidence. Police said he also had a warrant for criminal threatening. He was held on $10,000 bail.

Brandy Tuttle, 29, of Gilford, was arrested on a warrant for selling methamphetamine. She was held on $20,000 bail.

Zachary Varga, 26, of Nashua, was charged with selling heroin and selling suboxone (second offense). He was held on $25,000 bail.

Johnny Reyes, 22, of Nashua, was charged with resisting arrest. Police said he also had a warrant. He was held without bail.

Carmelito Escalera, 45, of Nashua, was charged with cocaine possession and held on $1,000 bail.

All suspects will be arraigned Friday in Nashua District Court.

Related:

• Nashua Police 'Granite Shield' Drug Sweep: 6 Heroin Arrests
• Salem Police 'Granite Shield' Sweep Nets 2
• Portsmouth Police 'Granite Shield' Sweep Nets 4
• Nashua Police Drug Sweep Nets 4 In 'Granite Shield'

Photo: Mugshots for suspects arrested in a Nashua police "Granite Shield" crime sweep January 11, 2018. Top row, left to right: Michael Docos, Joshua Benoit, Brandy Tuttle and Zachary Vargas. Bottom row, left to right: Johnny Reyes and Carmelito Escalera. (Credit: Nashua Police Department)