Pubdate: Sat, 1 Dec 2007
Source: Boston Globe (MA)
Copyright: 2007 Globe Newspaper Company
Contact:  http://www.boston.com/globe/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/52
Author: John R. Ellement and Shelley Murphy, Globe Staff
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?246 (Policing - United States)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/corrupt.htm (Corruption - United States)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)

VETERAN STATE TROOPER INDICTED

He Pleads Not Guilty to Distributing Cocaine

A veteran Massachusetts state trooper last night pleaded not guilty 
to federal charges that he sold cocaine out of his Saugus home, an 
allegation the State Police commander called "disheartening."

Trooper John T. Foley wore a long-sleeve gray T-shirt, black sweat 
pants, flip-flops - and handcuffs - when he made his initial 
appearance in US District Court about 6:40.

Foley, 62, was indicted on a single count of distributing cocaine on 
Oct. 11, but Assistant US Attorney George Vien indicated in court 
that more charges could be coming. He also said prosecutors want to 
seize Foley's Highland Street residence.

Foley is assigned to the Revere barracks and has been on the job 
since October 1971, according to a joint statement released by State 
Police and federal officials. State Police Superintendent Colonel 
Mark F. Delaney, said in the statement, that he was dismayed by the 
arrest of Foley, who was taken into custody by State Police and 
federal law enforcement at 3:30 p.m. when he reported to work at the 
barracks in Revere.

"It is always disheartening when a law enforcement officer betrays 
his solemn oath of office by committing a criminal act," he said. 
"Not only has he dishonored himself, but he has wantonly betrayed 
troopers who risk their lives every day, enforcing the very laws he 
so willfully violated." No details of Foley's alleged drug dealing 
were released in court last night, but sources familiar with the 
investigation said the single count is based on the alleged sale of 3 
grams of cocaine.

The arrest grew out of a joint investigation by the federal Drug 
Enforcement Administration and the FBI, officials said.

US Attorney Michael J. Sullivan said in a statement that Foley's 
alleged actions "are an affront to every decent, honest member of the 
Massachusetts State Police, who serve the public's interest and do 
their jobs with dedication and integrity . . . All of us in law 
enforcement are committed to investigating and expending the 
resources necessary to prosecuting corruption wherever we find it." 
June W. Stansbury, special agent in charge of the New England Drug 
Enforcement Administration office, said in the release that the 
police officers who commit crimes undermine public confidence in 
every member of law enforcement. "We will always investigate with 
fervor a sworn officer who has compromised honor by trafficking in 
drugs," she said.

Foley earned $102,531 in 2005, according to state payroll data 
collected by the Globe, but last night he told US District Court 
Magistrate Judge Robert Collings that he could not afford to hire a lawyer.

John Salsberg, a veteran Boston criminal defense attorney, was 
appointed to represent him. The attorney declined comment afterward. 
During the brief court appearance, Foley was polite and generally 
calm. His voice seemed to quaver when the judge inquired about how 
much equity his family has in his Highland Street home.

"My wife, she pays all of that," Foley said. Reached last night at 
her Saugus home, Patricia Foley declined comment. Foley was 
originally a member of the Metropolitan Police Department, but joined 
the State Police when the two agencies merged in the 1990s. If 
convicted of the single charge he now faces, Foley could be sentenced 
to up to 20 years in prison and fined $1 million.

Foley was released on his personal recognizance and is due back in 
court Dec. 11.
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