By SANDY McGEE

BELLINGHAM — Bellingham police arrested a local woman on Tuesday after discovering six semi-automatic pistols and two rifles in her home on Pulaski Boulevard. 

Christine Despain, 37, of 111 Pulaski Boulevard, was arrested on Tuesday around 4 p.m. at her residence. The arrest was part on an ongoing federal investigation, according to police.
Bellingham police members assisted the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) in their ongoing investigation of Despain, who is believed to have purchased firearms in Rhode Island, said Lt. Kevin Ranieri of the Bellingham Police Department. Members of the Bellingham Police Department and ATF visited Despain’s home on Pulaski Boulevard on Tuesday afternoon.
Despain spoke with the officers and federal agents and voluntarily handed over a pistol within her purse, said Ranieri. Officers also discovered five other pistols within her home.
In total, Despain was found to be in possession of six semi-automatic pistols, two rifles and two boxes of ammunition for various pistols and rifles, without any license to carry, said Ranieri.
“She (Despain) does not have a license to carry or firearm identification card,” said the lieutenant.
According to Ranieri, Despain told officers and federal agents that the guns were hers and that she had purchased them for personal use.
Despain was charged with unlawful possession of a large capacity firearm; two counts of unlawful possession or transfer of a firearm, rifle, shotgun and ammo; and unlawful possession of a large capacity feeding device or a clip, said police.
She could also face federal charges at a later date, according to police.
Despain was released on $40 bail on Tuesday. She was arraigned on Friday morning in Milford District Court.
Bellingham police also arrested a local man on drug possession charges after police said they discovered a broken crack pipe in his pocket.
Christopher M. Bellanti, 30, of 40 Pickering Ave., was arrested on Thursday afternoon at 71 Pickering Ave., police said.
Police responded to Pickering Avenue after receiving reports of an alarm sounding from a vacant property. When they arrived, police said they discovered Bellanti walking towards his vehicle.
According to police reports, Bellanti began shouting at the officers. After searching the suspect, police said they found three pieces of broken, rounded glass with residue and burn marks on it.
“They (police) believe it was consistent with a crack pipe,” Ranieri said. 
Bellanti was charged with disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace and possession of a Class B substance.