On Dec. 13 Mesquite Police Narcotics Detectives concluded a lengthy drug dealing investigation which had been ongoing for many months. Their investigation involved a local Mesquite resident who was trafficking and selling methamphetamines out of her home, as well as within the Mesquite area. Detectives served a search warrant on the suspect’s home and her accomplices’ vehicle which had arrived at the residence to deliver methamphetamines. The suspect and her two accomplices were safely taken into custody by the Detectives. One of the accomplices had in his possession at the time of the search warrant a short-barreled shotgun and methamphetamines while the other accomplice was in possession of heroin.
Roberta Franco, 45, of Mesquite Nevada, was arrested and charged with: Two felony counts of trafficking a controlled substance (meth), one felony count of selling a controlled substance (meth), one felony count of offering and agreeing to sell a controlled substance (meth), one felony count of possession of a controlled substance (meth), and three misdemeanor counts of possession of drug paraphernalia. She is currently being held at the Clark County Detention Center on $26,000 cash bail or $52,000 surety. She is scheduled to reappear in court on Dec. 28.
Erick Maus-Montiel, 23, of Washington Utah, was arrested and charged with: One felony count of possession of a controlled substance (meth), one felony count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and one misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia.
Destiny Quinn, 29, of St George Utah, was arrested and charged with: One felony count of possession of a controlled substance (heroin) and one misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia.
Due to the felony charges, all three suspects were transported and booked into the Clark County Detention Center in Las Vegas Nevada.
What a waste of life…Good job mpd
Roberta who used to run the Salvation Army, here, in Mesquite? How sad.
I too am wondering the same as Linda. Is this the same Roberta??? …the “Distinguished Citizen” Roberta …???
http://www.mesquitecitizen.com/viewnews.php?newsid=3990&id=3
And “how can I help my community?” –Community First Roberta?
Or the Roberta who said: “I just have more to give to Mesquite. I need a different avenue to do that”
https://mesquitelocalnews.com/2016/01/roberta-franco-commits-to-community-first/
MLN, please confirm.
yes
wow – this really does break my heart. I saw Roberta in action at the salvation army and in communities helping people complete various forms, get to appointments, work through family issues etc. – I’m just shocked!
I’m disappointed in the headline on this press release and that the MLN ran it as issued. Journalism 101 teaches you to not report assumptions or accusations as fact. St. George News and the Spectrum/DVT responsibly reported an investigation and arrests. It is reckless of our Police Department to issue press releases that assume guilt. That position flaunts the basic principles of our legal system and endangers the potential prosecution by tainting public perception of the accused. The only facts that should be reported are the arrest and the charges. Roberta has made some amazing positive impacts in our community, but unfortunately, she fell into a trap that has robbed her of essentially everything positive in her life. Regardless, she deserves the presumption of innocence, a fair trial, and the support of a community that she has personally given so much to in the past.
David,
Speaking only for myself….
I’m sorry you’re dissapointed with the facts. I’m dissapointed that this press release is but one of many that have been issued in regards to drug arrests and this is the only one you feel is irresponsibly being reported. We don’t create the news just for giggles, we report what happened and so did the MPD. Yes, this particular arrest has hit very close to home, could that be the difference?
Nobody is saying that she is guilty, she’s not being tried by the press, she’ll face trial in Las Vegas, it’s highly likely that nobody from Mesquite will be her jurors or that any of her potential jurors will convict her based on this press release.
Roberta has been a great addition to this community, she’s helped many people and is a caring and wonderful woman. I am very sorry for the circumstances as well but it still happened and it impacts this entire community of residents who have a right to know.
People can take this as a negative if they so choose, it’s their right but perhaps this is a way that the community can now become aware that one of our own needs help, support and the backing of the community she initially gave so much too. This could be a very positive thing…you can choose to look at it as something irresponsible, I choose to look at it as a potential for helping her. If the community isn’t aware of a problem, they can’t do anything to solve it, now can they?
Unless I read this article wrong, the report stated the facts, not a jump to guilt or innocence.
But just a thought, did all the money and gifts we gave our local Salvation Army get to the needy?
Speaking again for just myself, I’m sure they did. I’ve reported on some of her accomplishments with the community drives and everything she did was truly for the kids and the community. Sometimes losing your job and having children to take care of calls for desperate measures. She’s still a wonderful person and helped a lot of families. She needs our help now, if you won’t lend her your help, then lend her your sympathy and understanding.
Roberta has never once stolen from this community all she ever tried to do was help others in this community. So for all that are so quick to judge who took the time to help her when her downward spiral began? For those so quick to judge what about all the families she has helped? Who took the time to help her family when her problems begin? So you didnt help her but you feel the need to judge her? What if she didnt help all those that she has gone out her way for, and chose to judge them instead would that have helped? Point is she is a human being just like the rest of us, and not oneis perfect we all have made mistakes have we not?. Instead of kicking someone while they are down try being a decent human being , and show empathy if not some sympathy for her and her family!
David,
Please tell us exactly what part of the headline or article presumed any guilt. What words were used to lead anyone towards your assessment? It is the policy of this newspaper that, on these types of articles, we print exactly what the MPD sends us so that we don’t misconstrue anything. I absolutely stand by everything Teri Nehrenz said in these posts and applaud her analysis of the situation. It is indeed a very sad situation and one that most of us have no understanding of. I agree with Teri’s after-situation synopsis.
Barbara Ellestad
Editor, Mesquite Local News
My heart breaks for her. She gave this city so much. I am proud to call Roberta my friend. Roberta and her girls are in my prayers.
Well stated Teri!!