PD: Convicted Murderer, Girlfriend Had 30 Grams of Crack in Apartment

A convicted murderer on lifetime parolea known crack dealer, and his girlfriend, were hit with a litany of charges after a Middletown Police narcotics sting led to the discovery of nearly 30 grams of crack cocaine in their apartment.

On Dec. 11 at 6:30 p.m., street crimes, patrol and parole units were serving a warrant on South Main Street for Rachel Sweeney, 40, of South Main Street, the report says.

Outside police saw James Ever Lee Holley, 64, of Avon Court in a Lincoln MKX SUV whom they recognized as a crack cocaine dealer who sold drugs to Sweeney so she could sell them, the report says. Holley, the report says, is on lifetime parole after a murder conviction in 1973. Text messages on cell phones, police say, were explicit, indicating they were in a sexual relationship.

A search revealed a fire safe with a large piece of crack inside, weighing 20.5 grams, the report says. Sweeney, the report says, fought officers and tried to swallow something concealed in her bra while saying her nose was broken. She then bit an officer's arm, police indicate, and was found with a pipe with crack residue.

A police canine found .7 grams of crack in Sweeney's bra, the report says, and 8.6 grams of crack hidden in the couch and numerous drug paraphernalia in the bedroom, as well as antidepressant pills. The report says Sweeney admitted she's a crack addict and smokes a quarter ounce a day and supports her habit by cleaning offices at the Wadsworth Mansion.

Both were charged with possession with intent to sell, distribution of controlled substance within 1,500 feet of school, and possession of narcotics; Sweeney additionally for tampering with evidence and interfering with an officer.

Sweeney has been arrested many times for offenses including possession of narcotics, larceny, forgery, robbery and failure to appear. Holley was convicted of sale of narcotics in 2005 and sentenced to 30 months in jail, according to Connecticut judicial records.