SALEM — A Lynn man caught dealing pot at Gallows Hill Park on Tuesday night had his 10-year-old son in tow, police said.
Matthew Noonan, 31, of 43 Burrill Ave. pleaded not guilty during his arraignment yesterday in Salem District Court to charges that include possession of marijuana and the painkiller Opana with intent to distribute.
Sgt. Harry Rocheville and Patrolman Robert Phelan of the Salem police Community Impact Unit were in the area conducting surveillance after receiving reports of graffiti and other misconduct at the park when they spotted two cars parked near the skateboard area.
It was after 9 p.m., and the park was closed at the time.
They called for assistance from the plainclothes Special Response Unit, fearing that the suspects would flee if they saw uniforms and a police cruiser.
The officers watched one man get into a 2005 Honda Civic and the other man, Noonan, get into a 2004 Mitsubishi, along with a 10-year-old boy, Salem police prosecutor Lt. Conrad Prosniewski told a judge.
The officers approached and noted a smell of fresh marijuana. During a pat-frisk, they felt a soft, round object, which turned out to be a marijuana bud. Police found more marijuana, a digital scale and 19 Opana pills, as well as $212 in cash.
Police contacted the boy's mother, as well as the Department of Children and Families.
Noonan, who was on probation at the time for drunken driving, was ordered held on $1,000 cash bail by Judge Robert Brennan, who also revoked his bail in a pending case.
Noonan complained about the decision, telling the judge, "I'm probably going to lose my job, your honor."
He's due back in court May 10.
Courts reporter Julie Manganis may be reached at 978-338-2521 or jmanganis@salemnews.com.
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