Salem Police Provide Update on Charges Following Pipe Bomb Incident Investigation

New Hampshire State Police responded to the scene Friday and removed the caps to the suspicious items, believed to be pipe bombs. Ultimately it was found there was no explosive powder inside. (Courtesy Photo Salem Police Department)

SALEM, New Hampshire — Chief Joel Dolan and the Salem Police Department wish to provide an update following an incident on Friday involving alleged pipe bombs.

During a motor vehicle stop on Pelham Road at approximately 5:20 p.m. on Friday, police came upon what were believed upon initial investigation to have been pipe bombs. Upon further investigation, police found there was no powder in the alleged bombs and no charges have been filed associated with those items as a result.

Other charges have been filed resulting from the traffic stop, however, which was initially conducted because of an expired motor vehicle registration:

DIANA ESPAILLAT, AGE 35, OF MANCHESTER has been charged with:

  • Possession of Methamphetamine (felony)
  • Possession of Heroin (felony)
  • Transportation of Drugs in a Motor Vehicle (misdemeanor)

BRANDI HAMM, AGE 29, OF MANCHESTER has been charged with:

  • Possession of Methamphetamine (felony)
  • Possession of Cocaine (felony)
  • Possession of Heroin (felony)
  • Possession of Prescription Drugs Without a Prescription (misdemeanor)

ROBERT MATTESON, AGE 28, OF MANCHESTER was arrested at the scene on an outstanding warrant out of Manchester District Court.

Police did not know if the bombs were live at the time of the stop and the New Hampshire State Police Bomb Squad was called to the scene.

Both ESPAILLAT and HAMM were scheduled to be arraigned today in Rockingham Superior Court. MATTESON was brought to  Rockingham County Jail over the weekend and was being held on $200 bail.

These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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