Medford Man Accused of Selling Crack out of Malden Pizzeria
Photo via Malden Police
A Medford man was arrested Friday after he was allegedly caught selling crack cocaine out of a pizzeria in Malden.
Police arrested Patrick Robinson, 46, after executing a search warrant for Verdone’s Pizza at 24 Eastern Ave. Detectives stopped one customer who had allegedly purchased drugs there, and later found a white, powdery substance believed to be cocaine, a test tube, and “rock substance alleged to be crack cocaine” all strewn across the food prep area.
Robinson, an employee of Verdone’s Pizza, was charged with the distribution of an illegal drug, possession of an illegal drug with intent to distribute, and a drug violation near a school zone, as well as an outstanding warrant. He was arraigned Monday in Malden District Court.
“The establishment is closed and will remain closed until further notice,” Board of Health director Christopher Webb told the Malden Observer.
Verdone’s Pizza, which has been in business for 40 years according to its Facebook page, boasts a 4-star rating on Yelp, with reviewers praising its cheap pies and gargantuan eggplant parm subs.
