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.