Sheriff's Officers Arrest Three on Drug Charges

Essex County Sheriff’s officers arrested a city man Thursday after he was allegedly observed dealing heroin on Elizabeth Avenue, Sheriff Armando Fontoura said in a statement.

Officers were conducting surveillance near 145 Elizabeth Ave. in response to residents’ complaints, Fontoura said, when they reportedly witnessed Ishmil Nelson, 24, approach a green Cadillac and exchange drugs for cash. Officers approached and found Nelson in possession of 366 envelopes of heroin and 29 vials of crack, Fontoura said. Officers also reportedly found another 14 envelopes of heroin in the trunk of the Cadillac.

Nelson, the driver -- Casey Van-Ness, 30, of Bridgewater ---  and a passenger in the car, 32-year-old Steven Marchesani of Somerville, were all arrested.  

Nelson was charged with several narcotics offenses and was being held at the Essex County Correctional Facility in lieu of $100,000 bail.

Van-Ness was charged with possession and was being held at the Essex County Correctional Facility on outstanding warrants. Marchesani was charged with possession and released.