NATCHEZ — Two people were arrested for selling cocaine to an undercover sheriff’s deputy Tuesday.

Metro Narcotics deputies arrested Benjamin Zoil Forman III, 28, along with Hazel Araya Jimenez, 24, for their involvement in the sale of two grams of powder cocaine out of their car in a hotel parking lot on John R. Junkin Road, Sheriff Chuck Mayfield said.

Mayfield said the arrests were part of an ongoing investigation involving drug sales.

He said ACSO has reason to believe Forman, 307 N. Rankin St., might be involved in gang activities, despite Forman’s denial of his affiliation with a gang.

Mayfield said ACSO also suspects Jimenez is not a legal U.S. citizen, and the sheriff’s office has contacted the Immigration and Naturalization Service about the matter.

Mayfield said Jimenez, whose address is listed in Baton Rouge, had her five-year-old child with her at the time of the arrest. Mayfield said Jiminez had been staying in Natchez, although he does not know how long. The child was released to a friend of Jiminez’s.

Forman’s bond is set at $30,000, and Jimenez’s bond is set at $50,000, Mayfield said.

However, Mayfield said both suspects face additional charges because the sale took place within 1,500 feet of a church zone.