Stopped For Texting, Stoneham Police Discover Marijuana, Cocaine

STONEHAM - A Waltham was man was caught with marijuana, cocaine, and more than $6,000 in his car by Stoneham Police Tuesday, all because he was texting while driving.

Stoneham Police arrested Friendly Grandoit on several charges, including cocaine trafficking, after stopping him along the Tri-Community Greenway for texting behind the wheel according to Chief James McIntyre.

Grandoit, 40, was arrested and charged with:

• Trafficking in Cocaine Over 18 Grams
• Texting While Driving
• Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended License (Subsequent Offense)
• Arrestee Furnishing False Identification Information to Law Enforcement
• Possession/Use of False/Stolen RMV Document
• Open Container of Marijuana in Vehicle (By-Law Violation)
• Identity Fraud
• Receiving Stolen Property Under $1,200

In addition, Grandoit had an existing warrant for his arrest from the Medford Police Department on charges of:

• Possession With Intent to Distribute Cocaine
• Trafficking of a Class A Substance Over 18 Grams
• Distribution of a Class B Drug
• Operating a Motor Vehicle With a Suspended License (Subsequent Offense)
• Arrestee Furnishing False Identification to Law Enforcement

At 4:58 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 3, Stoneham Police officers conducting traffic enforcement at the Tri-Community Greenway - as part of an ongoing pedestrian and bicycle safety campaign - observed a driver using his phone in a manner consistent with texting.

Officers subsequently stopped the driver and, upon making contact with him, were provided with a Pennsylvania driver's license that they determined to be fraudulent. Officers then initiated an on-scene investigation in an attempt to positively identify the driver.

Grandoit allegedly opened his wallet to reveal multiple separate piles of cash, and indicated that another form of identification was inside the vehicle. During a subsequent search of his vehicle, officers located an open bag of marijuana, as well as a white powder later confirmed to be over 18 grams of cocaine.

After being taken into custody, officers located a Massachusetts identification card in his shoe as well as a credit card and check belonging to third parties. As part of the booking process, Grandoit was fingerprinted and his true identity was revealed. Upon learning his true identity, an outstanding arrest warrant was located.

The Massachusetts identification card, credit card and check, along with the drugs and $6,215, were seized and entered as evidence.

"This is a great example of how observant officers can identify a simple traffic violation and ultimately arrest someone for trafficking dangerous drugs," Chief McIntyre said.

After positively identifying Grandoit, Stoneham Police learned that he was wanted by Medford Police in connection with an arrest there in May.

Grandoit was held on $100,000 bail pending his arraignment in Woburn District Court.

These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty. A release from the Stoneham Police Department was used in this report.