MANCHESTER, NH – A situation on Central Street involving three family members went from bad to worse, after police first arrived in the morning to execute a drug-related search warrant, and returned hours later to help DCYF remove minor children from the home.
According to a police narrative of events, on November 13, 2017, the Manchester Police Departments Special Enforcement Division and the Manchester Police Department SWAT Team executed a search warrant at 267 Central St., 1st floor, as a result of a drug investigation. The investigation began several months ago when detectives received information about James Ballam, 39, of Central Street distributing quantities of crack cocaine from his Central Street address.
Members of the SWAT Team and the Special Enforcement Division executed the search at approximately 8:30 a.m.. Inside, detectives located approximately 123 grams of crack cocaine, packaging material, and $972 in cash. Ballam was charged with one count possession of a controlled drug with intent to distribute, one count sale of a controlled drug, and one count possession of a controlled drug.
Steven Campbell, 53, of Manchester, was detained by SWAT officers outside of the Central Street address and found to be in possession of .5 grams of crack cocaine. Campbell was charged with one count of possession of a controlled drug.
Jessica Ballam, 18, of Central Street, was also arrested on scene and charged with resisting detention/arrest after she entered the apartment while detectives executed the search warrant. She was asked several times to vacate the apartment, but she refused to exit and began yelling and swearing at the detectives. She was placed into custody without incident. All three were transported to police headquarters.
Several hours later officers were called to return to 267 Central St #1 to assist the NH Division of Children, Youth and Families, in the removal of minor children from the residence, based on the earlier SWAT/Search Warrant incident that had occurred in the morning.
At approximately 4:18 p.m., when officers attempted to remove the minor children from the house they were assaulted by Jessica Ballam. As officers attempted to arrest Jessica, her mother, Tammy Ballam, 44, smothered her daughter preventing officers from arresting her. Officers eventually arrested Jessica. When officers attempted to arrest Tammy Ballam, her husband, James Ballam, 39, assaulted an officer by getting in between Tammy and the officer and pushing him back. James Ballam was taken into custody after a brief struggle, as was Tammy Ballam.
- Jessica Ballam was charged with simple assault on a police officer, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, interference with custody and violation of bail.
- Tammy Ballam was charged with hindering apprehension, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, and possession of controlled drug (marijuana).
- James Ballam was charged with hindering apprehension, simple assault on a police officer, resisting arrest and contempt of court.
