DANVERS — A Woburn man found slumped over the wheel of a running car in the parking lot of a Danvers motel early yesterday has pleaded not guilty to driving under the influence of drugs.
It's the fourth time William Cram, 57, has faced a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
But Cram's lawyer says his client had no plans to drive anywhere — he was simply trying to stay warm while his buddy had a prostitute in the room he had rented for them.
Police were called to the Days Inn on Endicott Street just after 2 a.m. for a report of a man passed out in the parking lot, prosecutor Heidi Sylvanowicz told a Salem District Court judge.
Cram was eventually roused and told police that he had snorted a bag of heroin, one of four his buddy, "Danny," had offered him in exchange for assistance in getting him a motel room.
Police said they found 21/2 bags of heroin, just under two grams, plus an oxycodone pill, on Cram, who, until recently, had worked in the maintenance department at Harvard University.
Cram refused a Breathalyzer test.
Sylvanowicz suggested that Cram poses a danger to the public because of his convictions in 1976, 1980 and 1986.
Defense lawyer John Morris said his client had met "Danny" at a rehabilitation facility, then got a call from him asking for help in getting a room and a ride.
Cram apparently also planned to spend the night at the motel. When "Danny" got a prostitute, however, Cram went to wait in the car, which he turned on because it was cold out, Morris said.
Morris said Cram had worked for Harvard until about seven months ago, when he broke his back.
Judge Michael Lauranzano set bail at $5,000 cash for Cram, but ordered him to submit to a drug evaluation and any treatment recommended by the probation department, undergo random drug testing and that he not drive while the case is pending.
He's due back in court on Feb. 27.
Courts reporter Julie Manganis may be reached at 978-338-2521 or at jmanganis@salemnews.com.
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