State trooper charged with selling cocaine
By John R. Ellement and Shelley Murphy, Globe Staff
A veteran Massachusetts state trooper pleaded not guilty tonight to federal charges that he sold cocaine out of his Saugus home, an allegation that the state police commander called "disheartening."
Trooper John T. Foley wore a long sleeve gray T-shirt, black sweatpants, flip-flops -- and handcuffs -- when he made his initial appearance in US District Court about 6:40 p.m.
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 home.
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, in the statement, said he was dismayed by Foley's arrest.
"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."
John Salsberg, a veteran Boston criminal defense attorney, was appointed to represent Foley. The attorney declined comment afterwards.
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 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 personal recognizance and is due back in court Dec. 11.
