Norwood Police Assist With Gaming, Drug Bust At Stoughton American Legion

STOUGHTON, MA — The Stoughton American Legion now faces new legal problems following allegations of a drug and illegal gaming operation.

Six people, Denise Black, 59, of Stoughton; Judy Fantucchio, 53, of Stoughton; John Flynn, 71, of Stoughton; Thomas Coyle, 54, of Randolph; Timothy Cruise, 57, of Canton; and Anthony Buccilli, 28, of Stoughton, were all recently arraigned in Stoughton District Court on charges related to the investigation.

According to a police report obtained in Stoughton District Court, police had been investigating a possible drug operation at the American Legion since August. Police say an undercover officer bought cocaine from Black on two occasions, leading officers to request search warrants for the building.

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• Selectmen Vote To Suspend American Legion's Liquor License
• Stoughton American Legion Ran Illegal Drug And Gaming Operation: Police

At about 8:50 p.m. on Aug. 21, officers from Stoughton, Norwood, and the State Police executed warrants at the American Legion. When they attempted to enter the kitchen, police needed a bartender to unlock the door. Once inside, they allegedly found Cruise at a counter playing a video gaming machine and a white substance on the counter. A test determined that the substance was cocaine, according to the police report.

During the search, police found cocaine, an oxycodone pill, and over $3,200 on Cruise; two bags of cocaine on Coyle; and folding paper with cocaine on Fantucchio. The gaming machine was seized as well.

Buccilli was arrested follow a search of his home by police.

This is not the first time the American Legion has had legal issues. In June, their liquor license was suspended for an incident in April. It was the establishment's third violation.

In 2007, they were hit with a gaming violation.

Following June's vote, the selectmen voted to hold a hearing on the suitability of the manager when the license is up for renewal.

Below are the full charges. All five are due back in court Oct. 20.

• Denise Black, 59, of Stoughton - Charged with two counts of distributing cocaine.
• Judy Fantucchio, 53, of Stoughton - Charged with possession cocaine.
• John Flynn, 71, of Stoughton - Charged with possession cocaine.
• Thomas Coyle, 54, of Randolph - Charged with possession of class B and D drugs.
• Timothy Cruise, 57, of Canton - Charged with allowing gaming in public and possession of a Class B drug.
• Anthony Buccilli, 28, of Stoughton - Charged with possessing a large capacity firearm, possessing a large capacity feeding device, illegal ammunition possession and improperly storing a firearm.

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