Lynn man behind bars for violating release terms

SALEM – A Lynn laborer, out on $1,000 bail after pleading not guilty to a drug charge and failure to register as a sex offender, found himself behind bars on $5,000 bail after a Superior Court judge ruled “significant bail” had to be established after he was found to have violated the terms of his release.In 2008, Glen Todd, 35, of 77 Kirtland St., Lynn, was found guilty of cocaine possession, subsequent offense, and a drug violation of a school zone and sentenced to a total of seven and one-half years behind bars.However, last year the Appeals Court ordered a new trial on the case because a chemist did not testify at the trial concerning the drug analysis.Todd was released on $500 cash bail on that case in September 2010.Four months ago after receiving a tip, police executed a search warrant at his Kirtland Street apartment where they found a twist of cocaine along with $784 in cash, a scale and other drug-related items.Todd pleaded not guilty to the charges last week in Salem Superior Court, but Assistant District Attorney Karen Hopwood said she would be asking for a higher bail and scheduled the hearing.Asking that the bail be increased Thursday to $10,000 cash in Salem Superior Court, Hopwood argued before Judge Timothy Q. Feeley that Todd has a lengthy record, missed court dates and is now facing a mandatory 5-year prison term on the newest set of charges.She explained that he was out on bail on the older case after the Appeals Court overturned the conviction and ordered a new trial.Hopwood said the newest charges began when authorities received information from a confidential informant that a man named “G” was distributing narcotics.Police surveillance was set up at the Kirtland Street apartment, where police said they observed “G,” the man later identified as Todd, leave the apartment and return after making controlled buys with their confidential informant.Hopwood said, on the evening of June 2 after receiving information police executed a raid. As they entered the living room area of the home, police saw Todd clutching something in his left hand. When they approached him, a struggle ensued and he stuffed an object into his mouth, swallowing what authorities suspect was cocaine. Following a search of the apartment police confiscated one twist of cocaine along with other information linking Todd to the apartment.His girlfriend told authorities that Todd had been living there with her and her mother for several years. But Todd maintained he lived at an apartment on Essex Street.Hopwood pointed out that Todd has a conviction for two counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under the age of 14 in 2002 and that he had failed to provide authorities with his new address or any prior employment.Defense lawyer Michael Phelan quickly pointed out to Feeley that his client has come to court every day when he knew he was facing a seven-year prison term on the older case and that, even though he has a long record, he generally has kept all court dates.Phelan also added that the one twist of cocaine found could be personal use in his new case.?I don?t think this is necessary. I appear all the time and only work part-time and can?t make that bail,” said Todd as he pleaded with Feeley to let him remain free on the $1,000 cash bail on the case.But Feeley was not persuaded as he explained that Todd has a “life-long criminal history,” starting as a juvenile, was out on bail when this alleged crime was conducted and the $1,000 bail was “not sufficient” to reasonably assume his presence in the case.Todd is due back in court on Nov. 8 for motions on the new case. He is also scheduled for trial on the 2008 case in December.