Pubdate: Wed, 15 Oct 2003
Source: Worcester Telegram & Gazette (MA)
Copyright: 2004 Worcester Telegram & Gazette
Contact:  http://www.telegram.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/509
Note: only publishes letters from state residents.
Author: Gary V. Murray

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.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens