Boston Criminal Lawyer Blog
In federal court in Massachusetts, Daniel Ekasala pled not guilty to three counts of possession of oxycodone with intent to distribute. Authorities apprehended the 35-year-old Saugus resident during a sting operation involving New England Patriots offensive lineman Nicholas Kaczur.
Kaczur, who was arrested and charged with illegal possession of prescription painkillers in April wore a recording device during three alleged drug transactions that took place in gas stations in Foxborough, North Attleborough, and at a Sharon parking lot. During each of the three deals, the “cooperating witness,” as he was described in a Drug Enforcement Agency affidavit, purchased 100 OxyContin tablets for $3,900.
Ekasala ‘s defense attorney says that that the prosecution will have to reveal what the 28-year-old football player is getting in return for his cooperation. Kaczur was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree after police in New York pulled him over for speeding.
Ekasala is free on $10,000 bond. His attorney says that Ekasala tried to discourage the football player from buying drugs and was an “extremely reluctant participant.”
Massachusetts is one of a number of US states that have launched aggressive efforts to stop the illegal use and sale of OxyContin in the state. OxyContin is the brand name for OxyCodone. The painkiller is often abused for its euphoric effects.
Saugus man charged with supplying drugs to Patriots player, Boston.com, June 4, 2008
Patriots lineman Kaczur cooperates with DEA following arrest, ESPN.com, June 4, 2008
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