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7 News reporter Grant Greenberg and photographer Rudy Verhulst broadcast live in front of the Swampscott Police Station Friday afternoon in the wake of the federal indictment of officer Thomas Wrenn on drug trafficking charges. Item photo / Reba M. Saldanha

Swampscott cop nabbed for dealing drugs

By Debra Glidden / The Daily Item

SWAMPSCOTT - The Drug Enforcement Agency has charged a Swampscott police officer with distributing Percocet.

Officer Thomas C. Wrenn, 37, of 17 Prospect St., Nahant was arrested late Thursday night in Lynn and was charged in a criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute oxycodone.

Wrenn, who has been employed by the Swampscott Police Department since 1998, was arrested Thursday night by DEA agents acting in concert with the Swampscott Police after he purchased a quantity of Percocet pills from one of his regular suppliers. He was later released on $5,000 cash bail and $10,000 unsecured bond.

According to a press release from U.S. Attorney Michael J. Sullivan's Office, federal agents knew of the planned transaction and took Wrenn into custody shortly after he took possession of 50 tabs of Percocet from a dealer.

The affidavit also details a party at the Wrenn home in Nahant where Wrenn, who on numerous occasions referred to Percocet and Vicodin as "Pez," used a toy belonging to his child to dispense the pills.

"Wrenn jokingly loaded his child's candy Pez dispenser with Percocet or Vicodin pills and then dispensed the pills from the toy Pez dispenser," the affidavit reads.
According to the affidavit, a Batman Pez dispenser was found in his police locker and a second Pez dispenser was found in a bag in his bedroom.

In a criminal complaint filed in federal court on Thursday, the government alleges that Wrenn purchased Percocet pills, which are a form of oxycodone, over a period of months beginning in the fall of 2006.

According to the affidavit, Wrenn allegedly routinely consumed Percocet pills and cocaine and in some instances he did so while in uniform.

According to the affidavit from DEA Special Agent Dennis A. Barton, allegations of Wrenn's drug use and distribution first came to light in January 2007 when a confidential informant reported Wrenn's drug habits to the Swampscott Police Department.

Authorities say Swampscott Police Chief Ronald Madigan confronted Wrenn a few days after being contacted by the informant and asked him to submit to a drug test "in order to dispel the allegation." Wrenn refused to take a drug test and he claimed he had been taking pain killers for recent dental work, the affidavit says.

The affidavit states on Jan. 24, 2008, Madigan introduced a DEA Special Agent to an individual, who has become a cooperating witness. The witness provided the agent with information on Wrenn's drug activities for the past 15 months.

According to the affidavit, there was one incident in which Wrenn was in uniform after completing a police detail in Swampscott when he got into his yellow Hummer SUV and negotiated a large drug purchase.

Wrenn also distributed a quantity of Percocet pills to a former Nahant Police Officer and a young woman in connection with a romantic liaison, authorities say.

In addition to being a police officer, Wrenn also holds an appointment as a Deputy Sheriff for Essex County. Before he started working for the Swampscott Police Department, Wrenn was employed by the Swampscott Public Schools as a custodian.

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Reader Comments

Comments so far on this story:

JohnnyAppleseed wrote on Nov 24, 2008 7:48 PM:

" Wow, how does a guy like this get away with it without a State Action against him? Let's see, how is a CI treated locally?

This poor fellow wanted to get caught and get help. According to the affidavit, a Batman Pez dispenser was found in his police locker and a second Pez dispenser was found in a bag in his bedroom.

A cop using a Batman Pez dispenser? Is that standard issue for a Swampscott cop? "

1026 wrote on Oct 5, 2008 1:59 AM:

" Was Tommy working on his Masters in Criminal Justice while working at Swampscott High?? What a joke!!! I don't know which is worse; a drug addicted pill pushing high school janitor or cop. AA masters degree doesn't mean a thing when your using and distribuiting. Any of you have teenagers? Down the line of dealers, Tommy may have provided them at some time or another. There is NO DEFENSE for this cop - and worse, free defense. He should sit forever in jail!!! "

justice wrote on Mar 24, 2008 2:19 PM:

" Throw the book at him. He's getting it kind of SOFT. Using his uniform to shield him from the LAW!!!! Brotherhood..smoother -hood. "

pie wrote on Mar 24, 2008 6:13 AM:

" You people seem to forget, this happens everywhere. Why are we so surprised? People make mistakes and NO ONE is perfect. Just remember that. And people are innocent until proven guilty ! "

salbff906 wrote on Mar 19, 2008 7:19 AM:

" most of these comments are so negative and seems like you think your better than Tommy!! Everyone makes mistakes, some have life changing effects that cause alot of trauma for a person. Yes, he has issues, yes, he handled them the wrong way, but he found out the hard way. Loosing his job is the start of his punishment,now look at him as a person and a husband and a father and take all into consideration before you all decide to hang him. "

stickball wrote on Mar 18, 2008 7:43 AM:

" please check the stats on a police officer. Top five for alcohol and/or drug addiction, suicide, heart attack, most dangerous and stressful job. Police Officers die on average five years after retirement. You deal with everyone elses problems in society and then bring it home to your own household where you have your own issues and no support system. "

stupi.ds wrote on Mar 17, 2008 2:59 PM:

" So there was a "former Nahant cop" that is in jail for the same thing. Now this happens while he is in jail? Haven't we seen this movie before? Stupid is as stupid does. "

beg wrote on Mar 17, 2008 2:40 PM:

" Most of you are speaking as if drug addiction is a choice. It is a disease that affects so many lives. My sympathies are with Tom and his family,along with all of the other addicts and families who are suffering through the same thing. Few people can really understand unless they have been there. To Tom & Family: It may not seem like it now, but this may be just what needed to happen to place you on a different path in life. I firmly believe everything happens for a reason. I wish you all of the best. "

chuck wrote on Mar 17, 2008 11:31 AM:

" What of the many arrests and citations this person has issued? What of the screw ups that forced people to hire lawyers to protect their interest because of this persons mistakes? What do we get? I'm sorry for this person but Karma will get you every time. "

DKY wrote on Mar 17, 2008 10:10 AM:

" Cops are human too. Time to turn things around Tommy. You can do it. Good luck. "

rainbow3246 wrote on Mar 17, 2008 10:03 AM:

" Why aren't these civil servants of the good ole boys club subject to mandatory drug and alcohol and pschological screening to keep ourselves safe from them. Police officers are at higher risk for trauma and substance abuse issues. Are they above the law. Get them some help and
demand screening. "

Chief.usn wrote on Mar 16, 2008 10:39 PM:

" I'm from Nahant.I went to Swampscott Highschool and played football and track with Wrenn this is a sad day for me and my family to hear of this news.As for someone goin after his character about being a janitor before becoming a police officer is absurd.he worked a public job with little to no pay as a janitor.then an offer to join the Swampscott police.after completeing his training for a respectible career.In highschool he didn't smoke, drink,or do drugs.had great grades.Tom what happened?? where is the support for officers who need it.I know the military gives us support. "

bluetruth wrote on Mar 16, 2008 7:52 PM:

" The guy is a drug addict regardless of his profession. He should and will lose his job, but let's hope for his recovery for his family's sake. The former Lynn Fire Fighter's charges were dropped by the D.A.'s office. "

Frankie wrote on Mar 16, 2008 5:45 PM:

" Mr Bill T. What do you have against school janitors, are they beneath you? You make it sound like they are. Did it occur to you that a person isn't born a cop, but becomes a cop with long hours of studying and perserverance? He or she no doubt had to work and support a family while pursuing this goal, and if that work was being a janitor, what of it? "

chomerics wrote on Mar 16, 2008 11:56 AM:

" It sounds like Bill Tamborini was just not smart enough to pass the civil service exam, and is taking out his frustration for poor mental skills against Tommy. What many aren't aware of is Tommy has a masters in Criminal Justice, and scored well on the civil service exam.

As a former friend who lost touch because of various reasons, it's sad not for Tommy but for his family. I hope his family can get through this tragic time, Tommy can find the help he needs, condone for his mistakes and get his life on track. "

not surprised wrote on Mar 16, 2008 9:21 AM:

" There is a prevaling drug problem among the youth in this town- if the kids know where the drug houses are and we have a cop using drugs on duty, when will this end? How many lives have to be ruined before the town becomes a no tolerance town to this stuff? Fine example for the youth- this cop needs help, yes, but should be immediately suspended. the town should rally around his family. "

sickntired wrote on Mar 16, 2008 8:28 AM:

" I'm sure he's not the only one HIGH w/ a gun and a badge. Very scary! "

swmp wrote on Mar 15, 2008 10:26 PM:

" Wrenn is always been a nice guy, polite,kind and well liked. We all know choice is everything and all of us have made good and bad. Wrenn has a family and that should not be forgotten, he is not the only one to feel his pain of a bad choice. I think we should wish him and his family best wishes and let him seek treatment for an addiction, hopefully something good will come out of this and he can learn from this and teach others how important the choices we make are. "

seagull wrote on Mar 15, 2008 7:41 PM:

" maybe bill tamborini could let the spd know from where to hire new recruits /because a guy is a janitor before becoming a cop means nothing,alot of cops dont start out at the FBI before becoming local law enforcement/ we all start somewhere "

Joe Snuffy wrote on Mar 15, 2008 6:55 PM:

" These people are supposed to be held to a higher standard than the rest of us. A $5,000 bail? What a joke!! He should have been suspended as soon as their was a question about his integrity, not allowed to carry a gun and "enforce the law for a year!! Lock this guy up and throw away the key!! "

Mick wrote on Mar 15, 2008 6:24 PM:

" Bill,
You are grossly confused. The "nationwide" search you referred to is done for Superintendent of Schools, Principals etc. not Police. Police Officers and Firefighters take an exam and are placed on a list in order of their score and their residency (Residents do get preference). When they are appointed they must complete a 23 week academy before pinning on the badge, then they ride with a veteran officer for several months. Who cares if they are janitors (custodians) or fighter pilots...they are "required" to be trained as police officers what they did prior is totally irrelevant. "

Tragic wrote on Mar 15, 2008 4:26 PM:

" Always a source of pride to his late mother and father. Alone in this world? Seeking comfort in drugs to end the emptiness he must still feel?
Wrenn has a gorgeous wife and a lovely child. Friends on the force and in town. Wasn't this enough? Can't we help him like we would anyone with an addiction? It is horrible to think he had a gun and may have suffered from poor judgement. Madigan and the rest of SPD did their job and now we hope Wrenn will learn as will so many others. "

wake up wrote on Mar 15, 2008 2:22 PM:

" He knew that a former Nahant cop is in jail for the same charge; one would think he would be a little smarter. I have no pitty for the undeniably stupid. "

lilmom6863 wrote on Mar 15, 2008 2:08 PM:

" ok so for over a year he was able to play cop high on drugs with A gun making judgement calls againts the citizens wonder how many he arrested for driving under the influence as hes driving a police car high.What A shame it took over a year and he was able to continue acting as a law enforcer "

Civil Service wrote on Mar 15, 2008 1:55 PM:

" Bill Tamborini claims this is favoritism because the guy was a janitor in Swampscott? Huh? Cops fall under civil service.If you take the exam & score the highest you get a job. That's by state statute. "

No Use! wrote on Mar 15, 2008 1:19 PM:

" No use in getting all bent out of shape on this one! What happened to the long time Lynn Firefighter busted for possesion, abuse & with a prostitute?

Nothing!

He is retired, getting his pension, and scoffing at the rest of us in nice Red Caddy, and coaching youth baseball!!!

So, another public official soon to take the Tax oayers for a ride! "

trublu wrote on Mar 15, 2008 10:24 AM:

" He is innocent until proven guilty. I think he may just had a lapse of judgement and a second chance is in order. "

xxxx wrote on Mar 15, 2008 9:33 AM:

" From January 2007, Swampscott Police Dep. was "informed" and still let the policeman carry a weapon and work and represent the law.....on the town streets.
???????????? "

Bill Tamborini wrote on Mar 15, 2008 9:24 AM:

" What is striking is that prior to becoming a Swampscott police officer, Wrenn's only previous experience for the position seems to be that of a janitor in the Swampscott public school system. As the force sports another one-time janitor from the school system - this smacks of a potential favoritism issue. Let's face it - by taking someone into the force who only claim to fame is being a local janitor, we can certainly be assured that a "nation-wide search" (as they claim always takes place) was not performed. "

1 Bad Apple wrote on Mar 15, 2008 8:46 AM:

" Kudos to Madigan & SPD for investigating this instead of sweeping it under the rug, But it's too bad one bad cop betrays the badge & gives the whole dept. a black eye. Just remember this is one bad apple & not a reflection on the dept. as a whole. "

seagull wrote on Mar 15, 2008 8:25 AM:

" innocent until proven guilty "

Don S wrote on Mar 15, 2008 7:06 AM:

" This removes all doubt as to the failure of the Mass. "justice" system such that even the police and judges mock the "justice" system and commit crimes without fear or any concern.

When this cop is tried, they will NOT broadcast the courtroom proceedings to protect the guilty.

Our courts should be the most broadcast events in this state so the people can see how BROKEN they are.

Don't hold your breath though. "


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