Week in Review: A $900k Forfeit in Pot Case, Foreclosures Down

A Medford man has been ordered to forfeit nearly a million dollars as part of his plea agreement in a large scale marijuana smuggling conspiracy, according to court records. Huy Hoang Nguyen -- known to his accomplices as "Boston" -- struck a plea agreement with federal prosecutors in western New York in July, pleading guilty to a count of conspiracy to possess at least 100 kilograms of marijuana. While he's expected to receive a 5 or 6-year sentence, he's going to also pay a hefty cash penalty, according to court records. Federal Judge William M. Skretny issued an order Aug. 23, calling for Nguyen for forfeit $900,000 in a money judgement as part of the plea agreement.

: Local arts organizations have recently received nearly $20,000 in grants to support cultural projects, according to a press release from Medford's state delegates. The Massachusetts Cultural Council has awarded $15,440 to the Medford Arts Council and $2,500 to the Tufts University Art Gallery, according to the release.

Foreclosures Slow Slightly in Medford: Foreclosures in Medford dipped slightly this July compared to last year, but there have been more foreclosures year-to-date in 2012, according to recent data. There were seven foreclosure petitions filed for Medford properties in July compared to nine in July 2011, according to data from real estate publisher The Warren Group. Year-to-date, there have been 51 foreclosures in Medford, up from 43 through July of 2011, according to the data.

Two Arrested on Salem Street Face Drug Charges: Two people arrested on Salem Street Friday face multiple drug-related charges, according to police. Kevin Malin, 45, and Kelly Mosher, 35, were arrested at Malin's home at 306 Salem St. about 5 p.m. Saturday and each was charged with possession of a class D drug, possession to distribute a drug, conspiracy to violate drug law and drug violation near a school, according to the police log.