Owner of Frank’s Diner in Ludlow arrested on drug charges

The owner of Frank’s Diner in Ludlow was served more than just breakfast on Friday.

Two search warrants were served to Francisco Evangelista, 75, who was later arrested and charged with trafficking cocaine, possession of a Class B substance, possession of a Class E substance and possession of ammunition without a license on Friday evening about 5:45, according to police.

Between his Franklin Street home and the diner, authorities discovered about 63 grams of cocaine and several hundred prescription erectile dysfunction tablets, said Lieutenant Daniel Valadas in a phone interview.They also found at least six Department of Transitional Assistance cards and an endorsed payroll check for $100 in other names, as well as bullets, scales, ledgers, distribution equipment and packaging.

Evangelista was held overnight but posted his $10,000 cash bail and was released Saturday morning, police said. His original bail was $25,000, but the court clerk reduced it, according to Valadas.

Also arrested at the diner was Jonathan L. Table, 38, of Monson and Martin J. Morales, 48, of Springfield, who were both charged with possession of cocaine, according to police. Morales, who was also charged with possession of a Class E substance, is being held at the Hampden County House of Correction as there was a warrant out for his arrest, Valadas said. Valadas said he did not know what the warrant was for. Table was released on personal recognizance, he said.

Police plan to contact the health inspector for possible code violations at the diner, according to Valadas. Valadas said the restaurant lost its liquor license recently for reasons unknown.

All three men are scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday in Palmer District Court, he said.