SAUGUS – A longtime State Police Trooper known for his musical talents hints a personal vendetta by some in law enforcement led to his arrest 10 days ago on a federal cocaine distribution charge during an exclusive interview Sunday with the Daily Item.John Foley, 62, of Saugus, is expected to appear at a hearing Tuesday at U.S. District Court in Boston. The 36-year veteran Trooper is accused of selling cocaine to an undercover agent in Saugus on or about Oct. 11, according to a court affidavit.I do intend on defending myself, Foley said.Claiming his innocence, the Trooper says he was suffering financial problems long before he was charged on Nov. 30 and is sad that his reputation is tarnished.I didn’t do anything but I am ashamed of what I am accused of doing, Foley said.Foley was not only known for enforcing the law, but for lending his singing voice as well.The Trooper and Revere native worked out of the State Police barracks at Revere Beach. In his spare time he sang for free at churches, community events and even funerals. As recently as three weeks ago, he says he sang for the Saugus Rotary Club.They can’t take my talent away, Foley said.Foley would not get into details about what led up to his arrest, but claims he was framed.My own Colonel has forgotten, innocent until proven guilty, he said.Foley says a woman who is dating a police officer met him and his wife socially on a previous occasion and believes she had something to do with setting him up.The female is an informant, he said.Foley, who describes himself as a fair police officer who cut people breaks for minor infractions, is currently suspended from the State Police without pay.Running through a red light used to be a $5 fine in 1971 when he first began on the force, Foley said. If I pulled over someone for going 80 or 90 mph on the highway, I’d might drop it down to an affordable rate. I don’t work for the insurance companies.When asked if he was a drug dealer, Foley responded: No and began to laugh.If I was then I probably wouldn’t have just laughed, he said.Beyond the chuckles, Foley is consumed with worry. Not only is he facing 20 years in prison if found guilty, he said previous financial trouble and his suspension without pay means he and his family could lose their Highland Avenue home and his pension.Foley is using a court-appointed attorney to represent him.My wife won’t stop crying, he said. I’m just worried about everything now.Foley is adamant of his innocence.This would have been my 37th year on the force. Do I have ?stupid’ written on my forehead? he said. If I wasn’t a cop, the FBI wouldn’t be investigating.Foley is concerned that the FBI might be monitoring his telephone conversations and e-mail messages.I don’t have anything to hide, but I don’t know how they will construe it, he said.If Foley is found not guilty, he says he will not return to the State Police.I can never even go back to work now, even if I’m found not guilty, Foley said. I don’t think I’d be accepted.He says most police officers, including him, feel that if someone gets arrested, it’s because an officer believes the person is guilty.It’s like, we don’t believe in putting anybody in jail who is not guilty.Anyone who knows Foley can vouch for his record and character, he says.I’ve had a lot of people call me up and say, ?I know you couldn’t do this,’ Foley said. I’ve had a lot of that.Foley, who was raised Catholic and served two tours in Vietnam for the U.S. Navy, says he became a Born Again Christian in 1983 and relies on his faith to get him and his family through a tough Christmas season.Jesus is the reason for the season, Foley said. I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.For now, Foley’s only singing will be done at his church choir, at Grace Ministries in Saugus, unless someone requests his services.I’ll sing if I’m asked but it won’t be in uniform. That’s for sure,” he said.