Man Pleads Guilty To Cocaine, Heroin, And Gun Charges

WOBURN – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan has announced that JapethBaugh, 24, of Malden, has pleaded guilty to charges of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of heroin with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm without a license, and possession of ammunition without a license.

Middlesex District Court Judge Kathe Tuttman sentenced Baugh to two and a half years in the House of Correction, with one year to serve and the balance suspended for three years on the cocaine charge, three years probation on the heroin charge to run concurrent with the sentence on the cocaine charge, and sentenced Baugh to three years probation on each of the gun-related charges to run concurrent with the sentence on the cocaine charge. Judge Tuttman ordered conditions of probation to include that Baugh have no drug use, possess no weapons, maintain employment or remain in school.

“Through this plea, the defendant has admitted what was revealed in this investigation,” said District Attorney Ryan. “He was involved with and profited from the sale of illegal drugs and he had a firearm in his home which gave him the ability to protect his illegal business.”

The Malden Police Department was conducting a narcotics investigation in the spring of 2014 and as a result of a surveillance operation, officers in April were led to Baugh’sresidence at 21 Ripley Street. Inside the home, they found cocaine, heroin, and inositol, a substance used as a cutting agent. Other items found included drug paraphernalia, a loaded .22 caliber weapon, and ammunition.

The prosecutor assigned to this case is Assistant District Attorney Elisha Willis.