Mass. Police: Drug dealer used bible to hide hand gun
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Police say that a Bible found on a nightstand in a suspected drug dealer’s bedroom didn’t contain sacred scripture- but instead was hiding a gun. According to Springfield Police Sgt. John Delaney, police raided the Whittier Street home of 32 year-old Jimmie “Mook” James on Wednesday night.
Delaney said that police had been investigating James, who they determined was selling cocaine out of his second-floor apartment. Police received a search warrant, and searched James’ home shortly before 9:30, after he came back from making a suspected drug run.
Inside the apartment, Delaney says officers found cocaine packaged for sale, cash, scales, and a cutting agent. One of the detectives noticed a Bible on a bedroom nightstand, something that he thought seemed unusual.
“Detective Kalish who did not think ‘Mook’ was a religious person, opened the Bible and discovered that the ‘Good Book’ was actually a hiding spot for a Smith & Wesson .9mm semi-automatic handgun and clip that contained ten rounds of ammo. Jimmie James took the time to hallow out the pages of the Bible to make a convenient spot for a firearm instead of actually reading it,” Delaney said.
James is being charged with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm when in the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition, and improper storage of a firearm (inside the Bible). He is also charged with resisting arrest and refusing to submit. Additionally, he was arrested on traffic warrants.
He is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday in Springfield District Court.