SEIZED MONEY STILL MISSING FROM STATE POLICE

$31,370 Was Taken From Holden Safe Missing $31k Is Still Sought

WORCESTER- A state police investigation into the disappearance of more than
$30,000 from a safe at Troop C headquarters in Holden in January 2002
remains open.

The $31,370 discovered missing on Jan. 9, 2002, from a combination safe in
the office of Maj. Stephen Leary, then area state police commander, has not
been recovered and no arrests have been made in connection with the
disappearance, Lt. Marian J. McGovern said yesterday.

Lt. McGovern said the disappearance of the money, which was seized as
evidence in a drug arrest, remains under investigation by the state police
Division of Investigative Services.

State police said the money was seized Dec. 30, 2001, after a car driven by
Wilson Osorio, 30, formerly of 37 Winfield St., was pulled over on
Interstate 290 in Auburn during a routine traffic stop. A search of the
vehicle turned up marijuana, drug-packaging materials and the money, which
was in a hidden dashboard compartment, investigators said.

Mr. Osorio was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to
distribute. He was released from custody on $1,000 cash bail and a warrant
for his arrest was issued after he failed to appear in Central District
Court Sept. 24, 2002, for a hearing on a motion to suppress evidence in his
case, according to court records.

In the motion to suppress filed by his lawyer, Anthony M. Salerno, Mr.
Osorio alleged that police lacked probable cause to conduct the search of
his vehicle without a warrant.