NEWPORT — A Newport couple is at large and a warrant has been issued for their arrest. Police are asking for the public’s help in locating them after authorities allegedly found evidence of drug trafficking and firearms at the couple’s residence in the course of a welfare check on minors.

Aaron Butler, 32, of Newport, has been charged with multiple counts of drug possession and distribution, including enhanced charges for being a felon, which carries a mandatory lifetime prison sentence, according to a news release issued Thursday by the Newport Police Department.

Kearsten Simpson, 29, is charged with three counts of possession of controlled drugs with intent to distribute greater than 5 grams, which are special class felonies carrying a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, police said.

Police said additional charges are expected and warned that Butler and Simpson “may be armed, and should be considered dangerous.”

The charges stem from an investigation that began in late October when Newport police and the New Hampshire Division of Children, Youth and Families jointly conducted an investigation “regarding concerns for the welfare of five minor children,” the news release said.

After obtaining a warrant and searching a residence on Maple Street, police said they found more than 20 grams of suspected fentanyl, more than 80 grams of suspected methamphetamine and an unspecified amount of cocaine.

In addition, police seized “several firearms and other evidence of drug trafficking,” the news release said.

Detective Sgt. Stephen Lee with the Newport Police Department said he couldn’t comment on the investigation because it involves minors but said “they are safe.”

Police said the investigation is ongoing and “additional charges are anticipated.” Police asked anyone with information on the possible whereabouts of Butler and Simpson to contact Detective Alexander Marvin at 603-863-3232 or amarvin@newportnh.gov.

Contact John Lippman at jlippman@vnews.com.

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