Marblehead Teen Charged With Selling Marijuana in School Zone

A Marblehead teen accused of selling marijuana to an undercover cop near Veterans Middle School denied drug charges in court Monday afternoon.

Nathaniel Mattson, 19, of 191 Pleasant St., Marblehead, pleaded not guilty Monday in Lynn District Court to a charge of possessing a class D substance (marijuana) with intent to distribute and committing a drug violation in a school zone.

On Dec. 10, Marblehead police Sgt. Sean Sweeney and Sgt. Sean Brady, along with the help of a member of the Salem Police Department, made arrangements to make a marijuana purchase on Vine Street.

Mattson reportedly sold marijuana to the same undercover officer on Nov. 30 in an alley behind Village Plaza.

After selling the Salem police officer $50 worth of marijuana in exchange for five marked $10 bills, Mattson was located back at his apartment and placed under arrest.

After obtaining a search warrant, more marijuana, a digital scale and clear plastic baggies were located inside of Mattson's apartment, according to court documents.

Mattson faces the additional charge of committing a drug violation in a school zone because Vine Street runs adjacent to Marblehead Veterans Middle School.

A confession signed by Mattson was included in the court documents.

Judge James Lamothe released Mattson on his own recognizance and scheduled him to return to court on Feb. 6.