Rolondo Guzman, 36, pleaded not guilty to four counts of distribution of cocaine, the day after Salem police arrested him following a two-week investigation.Police Detective William Jennings began investigating after getting a tip that two drug dealers, "Willie" and "Nick," had recently started doing business in the city, prosecutor Caleb Weiner said. An undercover officer arranged to meet "Nick" — later identified as Guzman — in a gas station parking lot on Boston Street on the night of March 31. The officer used marked money to purchase a small quantity of cocaine, about $40 worth. She made several other transactions with "Nick" and "Willie" on April 1 and April 3. The final deal was set up for April 8. That's when police moved in and arrested Guzman. They found three bags of cocaine in a Perry Ellis perfume bottle, some cash, which included the money used in the most recent transaction, and cell phones, including one with the number the officer had used to set up the drug deals. Police are still working to identify the second man. Weiner asked Salem District Court Judge Richard Mori to set bail at $25,000 cash, noting Guzman's ties to the Dominican Republic. Defense lawyer Ray Buso argued that Guzman has lived in the United States for 17 years and has a family here. He offered to surrender Guzman's Dominican passport. Buso pointed to Guzman's record, which includes prior arrests on charges including armed home invasion, but no convictions. Judge Richard Mori set bail at $5,000 cash, an amount that was posted immediately by Guzman's family.Guzman is due back in court on May 28.
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