Chelmsford Mother And Son Head To Trial To Fight Drug Charges

LOWELL - A 60-year-old Chelmsford woman and her 25-year-old son are fighting charges that they sold Oxycodone, ecstasy and cocaine from their Brick Kiln Road apartment last year.

In Lowell District Court on Friday, Frances "Patty" Roop and her son Keith C. Roop. both of 82 Brick Kiln Road, Apt. 204,Chelmsford, were scheduled for a May 30 trial date on charges of: possession to distribute a Class B drug (three counts); possession to distribute a Class C drug and conspiracy to violate the drug laws.

After their Oct. 28 arraignment, both Roops were both released on personal recognizance after pleading not guilty to the charges.

Chelmsford police allege that on Oct. 27, detectives in Chelmsford and Tewskbury were involved in a joint drug sting focused on Keith Roop's alleged selling of Oxycodone from his 82 Brick Kiln Road apartment where he lives with his mother.

After setting up surveillance, at around 7:45 p.m. detectives saw Keith Roop exit the apartment building and drive off in a black Toyota Corolla at a high rate of speed, according to court documents.

Police allege they were told by a confidential informant that Keith Roop allegedly drives to Lawrence in his mother's car at about 8 p.m. on a regular basis to pick up Oxycodone. When he returned a half hour later, detectives moved in as he was putting his key in the front door.

Keith Roop allegedly laughed and continued to unlock the door when police announced themselves, according to court documents. He was handcuffed as Frances Roop opened the apartment door.

During the search, police seized 24 Oxycodone pills and a bag of cocaine from Keith Roop's pockets.

Police allegedly found a suboxone pill, an Oxycodone pill and a dish with cocaine residue in the apartment. Detectives also seized marijuana in two glass jars, a number of pills in a bedroom, under a television, and drug paraphernalia in the kitchen, the bedroom and a closet, police allege.

Keith Roop allegedly told police he sold drugs to support his drug habit, court documents state.

His mother was charged because the drug were found in common areas and she allowed her son to use her vehicle, police allege.