Salem Police Officer Accused Of Buying Oxycodone In Street Deal

SALEM (CBS) -- A Salem police officer is now on administrative leave after police say he was on the wrong side of the law.

Matthew Scialdone, 35, a three year member of the force is charged with drug possession after police say he was involved in a drug sale near Chatham St. in Lynn, stunning his department.

"He's been a good officer with no issues or problems," said Salem Police Chief Mary Butler.

Lynn police say he was on the receiving end of a sale involving three other defendants.  Scialdone, who was off duty at the time, was allegedly seen stuffing something in a box in the back of the pickup truck he was driving.  A closer look, they say, uncovered four oxycodone pills in a small plastic bag.

"There's a break in the public trust," said chief Butler.

Scialdone apparently told police he was dropping off fantasy football money at a Lynn sandwich shop.  Police say another defendant, 26 year old Matthew Guy, also had marijuana and large amounts of cash on him and struggled with police during his arrest.

If Scialdone needs help, Chief Butler says she is sympathetic to a point.

"He has not held that standard and if that's related to the addiction issue we need to get to the bottom of that."

Scialdone's attorney said he has volunteered to enter a drug treatment program.  He's now out on personal recognizance and ordered to remain drug free.