July 8, 2016: Branford Police arrested three people for drug charges yesterday as a result of a month-long joint investigation conducted by Branford Police and the New Haven Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Taskforce.

Police arrested Jennifer Batista, age 35 (DOB 10/18/1980) of 4 William Street, Clinton and Mary Frances Palazzo, age 18 (DOB 10/3/1997) of 184 Opening Hill Road, Madison just after 4 p.m. yesterday, when detectives conducting a surveillance observed the two making an illegal drug purchase.

As a result of Batista's and Palazzo's arrest, DEA Taskforce members and Branford Police officers were later able to obtain a Search and Seizure Warrant for 15 Russel Street, Branford. Taskforce members and officers who executed the Search and Seizure Warrant located other illegal narcotics within the home of Christopher St. John, age 27 (DOB 5/10/1989).

St. John was subsequently arrested by police and charged with Illegal Possession of Controlled Substance and Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell. He was held on a $25,000 bond and was arraigned in New Haven Court this morning at 9 am.

Batista was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance and released on a Written Promise to Appear (WPTA) in Court. Palazzo was charged with Possession of Less than 1/2 oz. of Marijuana, and released on a WPTA. Both Batista and Palazzo are scheduled to appear in New Haven Court on 7/19/2016.