Lynn pipe insulator pleads guilty, takes reduced sentence in state prison for dealing cocaine

LAWRENCE – A Lynn pipe insulator was given a reduced sentence of five to eight years in state prison and agreed to forfeit the $9,000 police seized when he was arrested on drug charges in 2006.Shane Bradley, 40, of 126 Eastern Ave., #9, was scheduled to go on trial Thursday in Lawrence Superior Court, but instead avoided a trial and struck a deal with prosecutors, pleading guilty to trafficking over 28 grams of cocaine.Judge John T. Lu imposed the sentence recommendation of Assistant District Attorney Michael P. Hickey and defense lawyer Stephen D. Judge.Bradley was indicted by a grand jury for trafficking over 100 grams of cocaine. The confession to the lesser charge spared him a minimum mandatory punishment of 10 years in state prison.Shortly before 5 p.m., on Nov. 15, 2006 police executed a search of Bradley’s home on Eastern Avenue and seized over four ounces, 123-plus grams of cocaine, from a closet along with packaging materials and documentation linking him to the apartment. Police also confiscated $9,000 in cash from the apartment, believed to be proceeds from drug sales.Bradley was taken into custody outside of his apartment prior to the search being executed.Authorities also had a warrant to search his Honda, but no narcotics were recovered from the vehicle after a search.An Essex County grand jury handed up the indictment against him in January of 2007.Bradley, the father of five daughters, has been free on bail since being arraigned in Superior Court. He will have to serve at least five years in prison before he is eligible for parole.