The Stoughton American Legion now faces new legal problems following allegations of a drug and illegal gaming operation.
Six people, Denise Black, 59, of Stoughton; Judy Fantucchio, 53, of Stoughton; John Flynn, 71, of Stoughton; Thomas Coyle, 54, of Randolph; Timothy Cruise, 57, of Canton; and Anthony Buccilli, 28, of Stoughton, were all recently arraigned in Stoughton District Court on charges related to the investigation.
According to a police report obtained in Stoughton District Court, police had been investigating a possible drug operation at the American Legion since August. Police say an undercover officer bought cocaine from Black on two occasions, leading officers to request search warrants for the building.
At about 8:50 p.m. on Aug. 21, officers from Stoughton, Norwood, and the State Police executed warrants at the American Legion. When they attempted to enter the kitchen, police needed a bartender to unlock the door. Once inside, they allegedly found Cruise at a counter playing a video gaming machine and a white substance on the counter. A test determined that the substance was cocaine, according to the police report.
During the search, police found cocaine, an oxycodone pill, and over $3,200 on Cruise; two bags of cocaine on Coyle; and folding paper with cocaine on Fantucchio. The gaming machine was seized as well.
Buccilli was arrested follow a search of his home by police.
This is not the first time the American Legion has had legal issues. In June, their liquor license was suspended for an incident in April. It was the establishment’s third violation. In 2007, they were hit with a gaming violation.
