SALEM, Mass. — A Salem Police officer was arrested during an drug undercover sting for allegedly possessing oxycodone.
"I find it disappointing myself as the chief," said Salem Police Chief Mary Butler.
Police said Officer Matthew Scialdone was part of a drug deal under surveillance by undercover Lynn officers at Chatham and Marianna Streets. Right after the buy, police said Scialdone was pulled over and he tried to hide oxycodone pills as officers approached. He allegedly told the officers his friend was paying off a fantasy football debt. The two other men allegedly selling the drugs were also arrested.
In court Thursday, no bail was set, but Scialdone told the judge he was going to check into a treatment facility. He would not give a comment to FOX25's Robert Goulston.
His attorney would not say whether his client has an addiction.
"I'm not going to talk about it right now there will be plenty of time when we go back to court to figure out what was going on," said Michael Brennan.
Scialdone has been an officer for three years, working mainly the dayshift as a patrolman.
"He's been a good officer, no issues or problems with him," said Butler.
Scialdone will stay on paid leave until the case is resolved.