Bail set at $5G for Lynn man arrested selling drugs

SALEM – Bail for a Lynn man who police say they caught selling OxyCodone three months ago was set at $5,000, a Salem Superior Court judge ordered Wednesday.William Mondello, 51, of 47 Sylvia St., Lynn, appeared Wednesday, pleading innocent to two counts of possession of OxyCodone with the intent to distribute, subsequent offenses, before Judge Timothy Q. Feeley.Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Kirshenbaum argued for a $15,000 cash bail, telling Feeley that Mondello has “multiple stints” for previous drug-related crimes and is facing a minimum mandatory three-year state prison term on each of the two charges.Kirshenbaum said on March 29 around 5:30 p.m., Lynn police Detective Paul Holey observed what he thought was a drug deal from a grey Toyota Highlander on Chestnut Street.When he moved in they observed the back seat passenger, identified as Mondello, toss a bag, which police retrieved and found containing three twists with a total of 23 OxyCodone pills.Another twist, containing one tablet, was seized from the front seat passenger who told police he had just bought it from Mondello, stated Kirshenbaum as she insisted on the high bail.A total of $1,670 in cash was also confiscated from Mondello by police.Defense lawyer Thomas Pierce asked for $2,500 cash, saying that would assure his presence in court as he cited his client’s Lynn roots while acknowledging his client’s record and lack of defaults.He told Feeley that his client does not work and has been on SSI disability due to medical issues for at least 10 yearsIn setting the bail Feeley noted that Mondello is unemployed and probably a risk of flight while recognizing his attendance to court proceedings but felt a “significant” bail is needed to be imposed to assure his appearance while keeping in mind the mandatory minimum prison term Mondello is facing.Mondello was sent back to the Middleton Jail in lieu of bail. He is not expected to make the bail at this time.His next scheduled court appearance is scheduled for July 22.