Massachusetts Criminal Lawyer Blog
Three men were charged with larceny from a person, conspiracy to violate drug laws, and possession of more than an ounce of marijuana on February 3rd, according to the MetroWest Daily News. Two of the men are both reportedly from Rhode Island. The third is reportedly from Framingham. Police allege that the men traveled to Marlborough to purchase $2,000 worth of marijuana, but robbed their dealers instead.
Police were allegedly responding to a report of a domestic disturbance on Beach Street in Marlborough when a man and a woman flagged an officer down. The woman allegedly told the officer that a man had stolen her purse and run away with two other men toward Williams Street. Officers reportedly followed footprints in the snow to find the men in the Holiday Inn parking lot on Lakeside Avenue.
Police allege that one of the men that was arrested matched the description given to them by the woman whose purse was allegedly stolen. Police also allegedly found two pounds of marijuana and an air pistol on or near that individual.
The man matching the description then reportedly admitted to the police that he and the other two individuals had driven to Marlborough for the purpose of conducting a drug deal. The man allegedly stated that the three of them had made an agreement with the alleged drug dealers in which the men would pay the dealers $2,000 for the marijuana. However, the man allegedly stated that he did not have the money and had no intention of paying for the marijuana. He allegedly said he grabbed a paper bag containing the marijuana from the woman and ran away. The man allegedly contended that the air pistol police reportedly found on him had been tucked into the front of his pants and had not been shown during the alleged robbery.
All three men were reportedly released on personal recognizance at their arraignment in Marlborough District Court on February 4th.
The man and woman who flagged down police had not been charged when police released arrest logs Monday morning.
In order to prevail on the larceny from a person charge, prosecutors will have to prove that each of the men took property that was owned by someone other than him and that he intended to deprive that person of the property permanently. To prove the conspiracy to violate drug laws, the prosecutors will have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that each of the three men joined in an agreement or plan, the purpose of which was to violate Massachusetts drug laws, and that each of the men knew the plan was unlawful and intended to help carry it out. Finally, to prove the charge of possession of more than an ounce of marijuana, prosecutors will have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that each of the men possessed marijuana in an amount greater than one ounce. The other two men may have a defense against the possession charge since the marijuana was found on or near the first man. However, it is also possible for the charge to be proven against them despite the marijuana being in a companion’s possession. The three men are facing serious charges and could face the punishment of incarceration in prison or a house of corrections.
If you or a loved one is facing a drug or larceny charge, contact me today.