Thursday, 4:30 PM
Malden Police officer sentenced to 15 years for drug conviction
By John R. Ellement, Globe Staff
Malden Police officer David Jordan was sentenced today to 15 years in federal prison for using his badge to participate in the Christmas Eve rip-off of a drug dealer in 2003.
"He wasn't just anybody," said Judge Reginald Lindsay from the bench. "He was a law enforcement officer who has a greater obligation than other people. His job is to promote respect for the law ... People will wonder who they can trust when the law enforcers are the law breakers."
Federal prosecutor John T. McNeil urged the judge to impose an 18-year sentence, one year longer than called for under federal sentencing guidelines, because Jordan, 45, has sold his badge. "When law enforcement commits a crime, they cause this unbelievable corrosive effect on the community," he said.
The judge also sentenced Anthony Bucci, 43, of Wakefield, to 22 years in jail today following his conviction for conspiring to sell more than 500 grams of cocaine. He was described by federal prosecutors as the "mastermind" of the scheme that had Jordan stopping a drug dealer so another suspect could steal three kilograms of cocaine valued at $81,000.
Defense attorney Charles Rankin noted that Jordan had a spotless 19 year career on the Malden force, was the son and grandson of police officers, and was the father of five children. "This is not a person who is corrupt to the core," Ranking said.
In a statement read by Rankin, Jordan acknowledged how he hurt his children and his second wife.
"I am so sorry for the loss I've caused my children," Jordan said in the statement. He said his marriage has been strengthened by his prosecution and thanked his wife for standing by him "despite how I failed her."
Jordan also apologized to the Malden police department.
