For Immediate Release June 29, 2008                                   
Contact: Corey Welford/Jessica Venezia 781-897-8325

MCI-Concord Corrections Officer Arrested On Drug Distribution, Possession Charges in Lowell
Charged With Possession And Distribution Of Marijuana and Steroids

LOWELL - Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone informed the public today that an MCI-Concord Corrections Officer has been arrested on drug charges over the weekend.

Robert Sweeney, 48, of Dracut, was arrested in Lowell on drug possession and distribution charges on Saturday, June 28. Sweeney is charged with:

·        Distribution of Class D (Marijuana)

·        Possession W/I to Distribute Class D (Marijuana)

·        Conspiracy to Violate the Narcotic Laws

·        Possession of Class B (Ecstasy)

·        Possession W/I to Distribute Class E (Steroids)

·        Possession of Class E (Steroids)

“We allege that Mr. Sweeney engaged in the illegal possession and distribution of marijuana and other drugs,” District Attorney Leone said. “Although we are not alleging that this criminal activity took place within the prison walls or by using the authority of his position, this violation of the trust bestowed on him as a corrections officer is disturbing. I want to thank the Department of Corrections for their assistance in this matter, and also thank the Massachusetts State Police from three different jurisdictions for their outstanding cooperative work in this investigation.”

The arrest was made based on a joint investigation conducted by the Massachusetts State Police Detective Units assigned to the Northwestern, Middlesex, and Worcester District Attorney’s Offices as well as investigators from the Massachusetts Department of Corrections Office of Investigative Services.

Robert Sweeney is a Massachusetts Corrections Officer presently assigned to MCI-Concord. During the month of June 2008, investigators from the Hampshire and Middlesex District Attorney’s Office developed information that Sweeney was selling and distributing marijuana. A Massachusetts State Trooper, acting in an undercover capacity, arranged for a marijuana transaction with Sweeney. That transaction took place in Lowell yesterday, June 28, at approximately 3:15 p.m. in which Sweeney attempted to sell eight pounds of marijuana to the undercover officer for $10,000.

Sweeney was placed under arrest immediately after the transaction took place. A search warrant was issued at Sweeney’s residence, and investigators seized two pounds of marijuana, 100 bottles of steroids and six tablets of ecstasy.

Sweeney is being held on $20,000 cash bail and will be arraigned in Lowell District Court on Monday morning. 

These charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The arrest was made based on a joint investigation conducted by the Massachusetts State Police Detective Units assigned to the Northwestern, Middlesex, and Worcester District Attorney’s Offices as well as investigators from the Massachusetts Department of Corrections Office of Investigative Services.

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