Ashland Officer Denies Destroying Drug Evidence

An Ashland police sergeant has pleaded not guilty to charges of destroying drug evidence and intimidating the officer who reported it.

Edward Pomponio was released on personal recognizance at his arraignment Thursday on charges of wanton destruction of property, intimidating a witness and obstruction of justice.

Prosecutors say Pomponio used his shoes in July 2011 to crush a half dozen prescription pills that had been confiscated from a Marlborough woman the month before. He said it was accidental.

Court records did not suggest a motive. The case against the woman was eventually dropped.

Pomponio's lawyer tells The MetroWest Daily News his client denies the charges and has cooperated in the investigation. Pomponio is on unpaid leave.