According to the complaints filed in court, the drug charges are based on the discovery of Lexapro, an anti-anxiety medication, without a container. Whether it was discovered in the vehicle or on Desmeules is unclear. Desmeules is also facing one charge of driving under the influence. This marks the second time in the past two years he has been charged with the crime. He was convicted in June 2003 in a Manchester court, according to the complaints.
Desmeules was arrested last week after he crashed a city-owned Ford Taurus near the Bedford tolls and left the scene, police said. Police found Desmeules changing two flat tires just south of Exit 12 on the southbound side of the F.E. Everett Turnpike. According to the arresting officer, State Trooper Kieran Fagan, Desmeules failed a field sobriety test. Desmeules' breath smelled of alcohol and there were fresh marks on the vehicle, Fagan said.Desmeules was transported to the Merrimack Police Department, where he was booked and released on personal recognizance. Judge Patricia DiMeo made no change to Desmeules' bail and he left the court after the proceedings. He made his way out of court quickly, accompanied by his wife, Irene.
Nashua attorney Adam Bernstein spoke on his client's behalf, but only said he could not yet comment on what defense his client planned to use. When asked whether Desmeules was remorseful for his alleged actions, Bernstein said, "Common sense would suggest many things."