Massachusetts State Police: Cell phone use while driving leads to list of gun and drug charges

Distracted driving led to a list of charges after a Massachusetts traffic stop.

According to Dave Procopio of Massachusetts State Police, at approximately 7 p.m. yesterday Trooper Spiridon Perdikomatis, who at the time was assigned to a distracted driving enforcement campaign in the State Police-Belchertown patrol area, observed a gray Chevrolet Silverado with the operator actively holding and utilizing a cell phone. Trooper Perdikomatis pulled toward the vehicle and activated his emergency lights, initiating a traffic stop. The vehicle eventually stopped at the intersection of Route 32 and Route 9 in Ware.

Upon the vehicle coming to a full stop, Trooper Perdikomatis approached it and identified the operator as Kyle Juda, 20, of Gilbertville. While speaking to Juda, Trooper Perdikomatis requested the vehicle’s registration and proof of insurance. Juda opened the glove box, at which point Trooper Perdikomatis immediately observed a firearm. Neither Juda nor the passenger, identified as Devin Jauridez, 19, of Ware, possessed a license to carry firearms. Additional Troopers then arrived on scene to assist. Jauridez was removed from the vehicle first and placed into custody. While doing so, a firearm magazine was located in his pocket. Next, Juda was removed and placed into custody. Troopers located brass knuckles in his pocket. Members of the Ware Police Department also arrived on scene to assist.

Once the vehicle’s occupants were removed, a search was conducted. Troopers located a total of three “ghost” guns loaded with ammunition, one Sig Sauer P365 loaded with ammunition, nine large capacity magazines, a large ammunition can, two mason jars containing marijuana, and a digital scale with empty clear plastic baggies.

Both men were transported to State Police-Brookfield for booking. A bail commissioner was contacted and set bail at $1000 for Juda and $500 for Juaridez. They were scheduled for arraignment at Eastern Hampshire District Court.

Juda was charged with Improper Storage of a Firearm, three counts; Illegal Possession of a Firearm, three counts; Possession of a Large Capacity Feeding Device, nine counts; Carrying a Dangerous Weapon; Possession of a Large Capacity Firearm while in Commission of a Felony, three counts; Possession of a Class D Substance with Intent to Distribute; Open Container of Alcohol in Vehicle; and Use of an Electronic Device while Operating a Vehicle.

Juaridez was charged with Illegal Possession of a Firearm; Possession of a Large Capacity Feeding Device; and
Open Container of Alcohol in Vehicle.