Two Wakefield residents arrested on drug charges

By RICHARD JENKINS

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Bessemer — Two Wakefield residents were arrested on felony drug charges Monday, following a Gogebic Iron Area Narcotics Team investigation.

Paul Robert Rooni is charged with conspiracy to deliver a Schedule 2 narcotic and maintaining a drug house, according to a GIANT press release Monday. Jessica Ann Boggetto is charged with possession with intent to deliver a Schedule 2 controlled substance, possession of a Schedule 2 controlled substance and maintaining a drug house, according to the release.

According to the Drug Enforcement Agency, drug scheduling is determined by a drug’s potential medical use and the potential for abuse. Schedule 2 drugs are defined as “drugs with a high potential for abuse, with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence,” on the DEA’s website, but that have some medicinal purpose.

The conspiracy and possession with intent to deliver charges each carry a penalty of up to seven years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine, the possession charge carries a potential maximum penalty of two years in prison and/or a $2,000 fine and the drug house charge is a high court misdemeanor carrying a potential maximum penalty of two years in prison and/or a $25,000 fine.

GIANT officers allegedly purchased drugs from the two in controlled buys, according to the release, and executed a search warrant for their house Friday. A team spokesperson said officers seized numerous items — including prescription pills, firearms and U.S. currency in the search.

Both Rooni and Beggetto are lodged at the Gogebic County Jail on a $200,000 bond each, 10 percent of which must be posted to be released.