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Springfield – At approximately 9 p.m. on August 14, Trooper Jonathan Foley of the Springfield Barracks was on patrol operating his cruiser in the area of Bay and Tapley Streets in Springfield. At that time, he observed a Ford Explorer with a temporary license plate that was dirty and extremely difficult to read. The Trooper activated his cruiser’s blue lights and stopped the vehicle.
After the vehicle came to a full stop, Trooper Foley approached it and identified the operator as Orlando Pinto, 59, of Springfield. It was quickly learned that Pinto did not possess a valid driver’s license and was removed from the vehicle. While Pinto was stepping out, Trooper Foley observed a plastic bag containing a large amount of a substance suspected to be Crack Cocaine. Pinto was then placed under arrest and escorted to the rear of a cruiser while Trooper Foley conducted a search for additional evidence. During the search, Troopers located two more baggies containing additional suspected narcotics and a digital scale, commonly used in the sale and distribution of narcotics. Additionally, it was discovered that Pinto was wanted on criminal charges out of Springfield and Westfield District Courts for misdemeanor and felony default warrants.
PINTO was transported to the Springfield Barracks where he was booked and ordered to be held without bail for appearance at Springfield District Court on the following new criminal charges:
1. Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended Driver’s License, subsequent offense;
2. Trafficking in Cocaine;
3. Possession of a Class B Substance with Intent to Distribute; and
4. License Plate Violation.
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