Police: Children Were Using Drugs During Robin Lane Heroin Bust

Police say two Robin Lane residents arrested as part of a heroin and crack cocaine bust are also facing child endangerment charges because four children were around and involved in the illegal drug activity happening within the home.

Hampton Deputy Police Chief Rich Sawyer said the juveniles, the names and ages of which aren't being released, "were participating in some of the use of the drugs" at 19 Robin Lane, and that various illegal activity "was all taking place in the presence of these kids." 

Sawyer said there was "no indication of anything being forced upon the kids."

Heidi Johnson, 33, and Jonathan Peters, 28, both of 19 Robin Lane, were charged following an Aug. 2 search of the home, a search that was the result of a drug distribution investigation that Sawyer said has been ongoing for more than a year.

Johnson and Peters each had a video arraignment in Hampton District Court on Tuesday morning, according to court staff.

Johnson faces a Class B felony count of sale of heroin/crack cocaine, a felony count of possession of a narcotic drug with intent to distribute, and a Class A misdemeanor count of endangering the welfare of a child.

Peters faces two Class A felony counts of possession of a controlled drug with intent to distribute, and one Class A misdemeanor count of endangering the welfare of a child.

Each are being held on bail — Johnson on $500 cash/$2,500 personal recognizance bail for the heroin/crack charge, and $2,500 cash or surety bail for the other two charges, which she faces in a separate case against her; Peters on $2,500 cash or surety bail. They are both scheduled for a probable cause hearing at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 14, according to court staff.

Sawyer said the case against Johnson and Peters was greatly aided by individuals around Robin Lane, which he characterized as a "quiet street" where "everyone knows everybody."

He couldn't release many specifics about the case Wednesday, although he said individuals in the area began noticing, at some point over a year ago, "a lot of traffic going out" from 19 Robin Lane at "unusual" times of the day. Visits to the home were "short," said Sawyer, and police were eventually able to tie drug activity to the home through undisclosed investigative means.

The investigation is still open, which is why Sawyer said he couldn't comment Wednesday on whether there could be additional charges in the case, which he said has ties to Greenland. 

Sawyer encouraged residents to reach out to authorities if they see unusual or suspicious activity anywhere in town, as he said drug crimes and other illegal behavior "can" and "does happen anywhere" in Hampton and "any community."

"The only way we're finding out about things going on [in quieter neighborhoods police don't often frequent] is if someone picks up the phone... and says, 'Something's out of whack,'" said Sawyer, citing a recent suspicious mailbox activity report as a prime example because the "small" case turned into a massive federal investigation after a community member's tip. "If people aren't willing to step up and say, 'This isn't acceptable behavior,' and that, 'This is what's going on,' there's a good chance it's not going to get solved."

Anonymous tips about any suspected crimes can be left with the Crimeline for the Hamptons at (603) 929-1222 or hamptonscrimeline@yahoo.com. 

Tips can also be submitted at www.tipsubmit.com by selecting "Hamptons" as the region and by texting the word “CRIMES” (274637) with the keyword "Hamptons." The Crimeline is also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hamptoncrimeline. 

Rewards of up to $1,000 cash are available for tips that lead to the apprehension and conviction of the suspect(s).