An attorney from Quincy faced arraignment on drug charges last week after allegedly bringing a controlled substance to Chelsea District Court with plans to give it to someone at the courthouse.
Michael Lustig, 45, was arraigned on possession of a Class B substance with intent to distribute and conspiracy to violate the state’s drug laws. Prosecutors allege he brought Suboxone tablets – a medication prescribed for opiate addiction that is also sold and used illegally – to court with the intention of delivering them to Alicia DeMarco, 27. DeMarco is not Lustig’s client.
Assistant District Attorney Christopher Henry pointed to prior defaults in a 2008 case in which Lustig was charged with receiving stolen property and conspiracy. Henry sought $20,000 cash bail and requested a stay-away order from DeMarco if bail were posted.
Judge Matthew Nestor set bail at $300 and issued the stay-away order.
State Police narcotics detectives working with the Suffolk DA’s office had obtained an anticipatory search and seizure order from a Suffolk Superior Court judge based on information suggesting Lustig would attempt the delivery. The authorization permitted a search of his person should he appear at or near Chelsea court. Lustig arrived at approximately 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13.
After Lustig used his identification to pass through security, State Police confronted him. When asked why he was there, Lustig allegedly said he was visiting “a friend.” When provided with a copy of the judge’s order, he allegedly asked, “If I give them to you, will you let me go?”
They did not let him go. Lustig provided Troopers with an envelope bearing DeMarco’s name. To protect any potential privilege, troopers did not open the envelope but instead provided it to the judge who issued the order. Lustig allegedly made several unsolicited statements including “She made me do it” and “She set the whole thing up.”
DeMarco, a Reading resident, appeared in court today on charges of distributing a Class B substance. She was not taken into custody, though detectives plan to seek a complaint charging her with conspiracy to violate the state’s drug laws.