JetBlue pilot arrested in Boston pleads not guilty to heroin possession charge

BOSTON (AP) - A JetBlue pilot from Florida is among six people arrested by Boston police over the weekend in an investigation of drug dealing incidents near the Boston Common.

Police said John Manwaring, 42, of Maitland, Florida, and a woman with him were charged with heroin possession. Police said Manwaring told them he was a pilot and had arrived in Boston on Sunday.

Two men were charged with selling heroin and a third was charged with cocaine possession and trespassing. Another man was also charged with trespassing.

Police said investigators had focused on an area near Tremont and Boylston Streets after getting complaints from neighbors, and had made several earlier drug arrests there.

Manwaring and the others pleaded not guilty Monday. Manwaring was released on his own recognizance. He appeared in court without an attorney and declined to speak with reporters afterward. He is to return to court Aug. 13.

The woman he was arrested with was held for probation officers. Officials said in court she has a pending prostitution case.

New York-based JetBlue Airways Corp. said it removed Manwaring from duty Sunday night pending the outcome of the investigation, and is cooperating with authorities.

"In compliance with all FAA and DOT regulations and requirements, JetBlue has in place a rigorous drug testing program for crewmembers that includes a strict "no tolerance" program," the company said.

The Federal Aviation Administration said it is aware of the arrest but does not comment on potential enforcement actions.

Cox Media Group