UPDATE:

Two brothers, former Somerville Police Officer Samuel Standford and his brother Edward Stanford will be arraigned in Somerville District Court today on drug related charges and one defendant is expected to be charged with a count of breaking and entering.

The following statement was issued by the Middlesex District Attorney’s office after the suspects’ arraignment:

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Somerville Police Chief David Fallon have announced that Samuel Stanford, 28, of Somerville, a former Somerville Police Officer, was arraigned today in Somerville District Court on charges of breaking and entering in the nighttime with intent to commit a felony, possession of ammunition without a Firearm Identification Card, Possession of a Class A substance (heroin), and possession with intent to distribute a Class A substance (Oxycodone).  In addition, the defendant’s brother, Edward Stanford, 25, of Somerville was also arraigned today on charges of possession of ammunition without a Firearm Identification Card, possession of a Class A substance (heroin), and possession with intent to distribute a Class A substance (Oxycodone).

Judge Maurice Flynn, III, set bail at $25,000 cash for Samuel Stanford and scheduled the next court hearing in his case for Monday, September 21.  Judge Flynn set bail at $500 cash for Edward Stanford and scheduled the next court hearing in his case for Tuesday, October 6.

“This is still an active investigation,” said District Attorney Ryan.  “We continue to look into why Samuel Stanford reportedly entered the police station after he was terminated and we continue to investigate the circumstances concerning the discovery of drugs and ammunition at the residence he shared with his brother.”

Chief David Fallon adds, “I am very proud of the collaboration between our Detective Unit, District Attorney’s Office, and Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC) partners in their dogged pursuit of what occurred and the investigation which found illegal substances at the defendant’s home.  This case continues to be an open and an active investigation.”

On Tuesday, August 4, a Somerville Police Department Officer reported his firearm had been stolen from a locker inside the men’s locker room at Somerville Police Headquarters.

Detectives immediately began an investigation and discovered that on August 3, Samuel Stanford had entered the building from a rear entrance, proceeded inside, entered the men’s locker room, and then left the building.  Stanford had been terminated by the Somerville Police Department on July 23 and was not authorized to enter the police station by the rear door nor enter the locker room.

On August 25, a search warrant was executed at the residence of Samuel Stanford and Edward Stanford and police officers found approximately 150 tablets of Percocet containing Oxycodone, a substance believed to be heroin, $20,000 cash, ammunition, and other items.  Both Stanfords were placed under arrest at the scene.

In court proceedings this afternoon, the Commonwealth stated that the firearm taken on August 3 was recovered by the Somerville Police Department.

These charges are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

This incident is being investigated by the Somerville Police Department.

The prosecutor assigned to this case is Assistant District Attorney William R. Freeman.

— Middlesex District Attorney’s office