A North Billerica man arrested in Hopkinton on April 21 on charges including cocaine trafficking and malicious destruction of property is being held without bail after appearing at a dangerousness hearing via Zoom on Friday.
Christopher M. Saunders Jr., 30, was ordered committed without bail prior to trial “for a period not to exceed 120 days,” according to court records. He is scheduled to appear in court on June 1 at 10:30 a.m. for a probable cause hearing. Judge Sarah Kennedy ruled on the case.
Saunders allegedly crashed a stolen white BMW he was driving into a fence along Loop Road. He was apprehended by police without incident after attempting to flee from officers by running down Hayden Rowe Street.
A damaged GPS ankle monitor was found in the wooded area near the EMC Park entrance and Marathon School. In the vehicle, officers found a duffel bag containing a white powdery substance that appeared to be cocaine as well as associated drug paraphernalia and a contact list, according to police.
Saunders was arraigned in Framingham District Court on April 22 on 13 charges, according to court records.
Felony charges included:
- Assault with a dangerous weapon;
- Malicious destruction of property greater than $1,200;
- Possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.
Misdemeanor charges that carry a penalty of more than 100 days of incarceration if found guilty included:
- Negligent operation of a motor vehicle;
- Use of a motor vehicle without authority;
- Leaving the scene of property damage;
- Possession of a Class B drug;
Misdemeanor charges that carry a penalty of less than 100 days of incarceration if found guilty included:
- Failure to stop for police;
- Operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license;
- Unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle;
- Malicious destruction of property of $1,200 or less;
- Trafficking of cocaine (36 grams or more, less than 100 grams).
The charge of failure to stop or yield for police was deemed to be a civil motor vehicle infraction. Violators must pay the fine or appeal within 20 days to avoid license suspension or increased insurance premiums.
On April 22, a new attorney was assigned to the defendant, court records indicate. This led to the postponement of the dangerousness hearing until Friday.
Because of the severity of the charges, Saunders is being held without bail in the Middlesex Jail & House of Correction in Billerica.




















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