“After serving for 17 years as the First Assistant and Deputy District Attorney in Bristol County, William McCauley will be retiring from state service at the end of the calendar year.

McCauley, who also worked as a prosecutor in Plymouth County for 11 years before joining the Bristol County District Attorney’s office in 2007, was the lead prosecutor in the successful murder prosecution of former New England Patriot Aaron Hernandez.

During his tenure in Bristol County, McCauley headed up the Cold Case Unit and, with the assistance of a great team he helped to assemble, was responsible for helping to solve numerous previously unsolved homicides from prior district attorney administrations. Some of those cold case homicides that are now solved include the 1986 Dartmouth murder of 19-year-old Marni Larkin Roy, the 1988 Fall River murder of 32-year-old Gayle Botelho by serial killer Daniel Tavares, the 2002 New Bedford murder of Marlene Rose, the 1991 Attleboro murder of Ismael Rencinos-Garcia and the 2001 New Bedford murder of Rose Marie Moniz. In all, during his time leading the Cold Case Unit, McCauley helped to solve more than a dozen cold case homicides.

McCauley was also instrumental in instituting District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III’s highly successful Untested Rape Kit Initiative, along with the office’s new Unidentified Bodies and Missing Persons initiatives. The rape kit initiative alone resulted in at least three criminal prosecutions for previously unsolved violent rapes and the Unidentified Bodies Initiative has already resulted in the identification of two homicide victims from 2005 and 1981.

During the past several years. McCauley also oversaw the day to day work of District Attorney Quinn’s Special Victims Unit and his work in tracking down serial cold case rapist Ivan Keith through the use of genealogical and Y-STR DNA resulted in a conviction and a 50 year prison term for the man responsible for multiple rapes in the 1990s.

In his final courtroom prosecution last month, McCauley successfully prosecuted Jonathan Niemic for the 2010 New Bedford stabbing death of Michael Correia.

As stated earlier, McCauley and co-First Assistant District Attorney Patrick O. Bomberg, both investigated, indicted and successfully prosecuted Aaron Hernandez for the 2013 shooting death of Odin Lloyd in North Attleboro.

“I’ve had the pleasure and privilege of working with Bill for 17 years. His work ethic and dedication to cases to bring justice to victims is second to none. I want to express my appreciation for all of his years of service in both Bristol and Plymouth County that involved significant personal sacrifices over the years,” District Attorney Quinn said. “This was especially true during the successful murder prosecution of Aaron Hernandez. The citizens of both counties and the district attorney’s offices owe him a debt of gratitude. I wish him the best in a well-deserved retirement.”- Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.

“****ALERT!****

Missing elderly female. 80 yr old female left home on upper Main St. Marion between hours of 10:30 PM on Wednesday 12/27/23 and 7:30 AM 12/28/23 Thursday. Unknown clothing but possibly in a nightgown or pajamas.

Please check any camera footage you may have between these hours and report any sightings to the Marion Police Department at 508-748-1212.

Please check any and all sheds/buildings/yards/vehicles.”-Marion Police Department, Marion, MA.

Marion Police Department, Marion, MA photo.

“Your Theatre, Inc. director James Sanguinetti of New Bedford has cast four area actors in the drama A DOLL’s HOUSE PART 2 by multi-award winning playwright Lucas Hnath.

This is the second major production for Your Theatre’s 77th Season. This production is generously backed by Production Sponsor Hawthorn Medical Associates and Production Supporter Bristol County Savings Bank.

The cast includes Lucy Bly of New Bedford, Caroline Paradis and Eric Paradis of Fairhaven, and Kayla Ribeiro of Cumberland, RI. The production is stage managed by Eva Watts-Pine of New Bedford, with costumes and set dressing by Mark P. Fuller of New Bedford, hair styles by Suzanne J. Houbre of New Bedford, lighting design by Timothy Helley of Dartmouth, sound design by James Sanguinetti of New Bedford and set design and technical direction from Lawrence R. Houbre, Jr. of New Bedford.

A DOLL’S HOUSE PART 2, the 2017 Tony award nominated play, picks up 15 years after Henrik Ibsen’s groundbreaking 1879 play (A DOLL’S HOUSE) about a strong woman who defiantly leaves her husband, left off. Nora, now a successful novelist, has returned to her house, husband, and children that she left behind when her new life is threatened by her past. Your Theatre produced A Doll’s House play 15 years ago, with Caroline and Eric Paradis in the lead roles of Nora and Torvald.

Nominated for 8 Tony awards in its original Broadway run, including Best Play, A DOLL’S HOUSE PART 2 provides a modern spin on the Ibsen classic and is filled with suspense, humor, and intensity. The Hollywood reporter says that it “delivers explosive laughs while also posing thoughtful questions about marriage, gender inequality, and human rights” while Variety called it “a slam dunk.”

Your Theatre is grateful for the generous support of Bank 5, sponsor of the theatre’s current 77th season. This is their twelfth year of strongly supporting the arts at Your Theatre, Inc.

A DOLL’S HOUSE, PART 2 runs two weekends in 2024: Fridays and Saturdays, January 19-20 and 26-27 at 7:30 p.m.; and Saturdays and Sundays, May 20-21 and 27-28 at 2:00 p.m.

Performances are at the wheelchair accessible Steeple Playhouse, 159 William St. in downtown New Bedford. The accessible entrance is located on the east side of the building facing City Hall. Ample parking is available in the city lot at the corner of 6th and William, and metered street parking is free nights and weekends.

Tickets are General Admission $25; Seniors, Students and Military $22. Subscriptions tickets are available at $20 per show with a three show minimum. Additional offers may apply. All seats are general admission; call 508-993-0772 or email boxoffice@yourtheatre.org.

Your Theatre is proud to participate in the Card to Culture program, a collaboration between the Mass Cultural Council and the Department of Transitional Assistance, the Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Nutrition Program, and the Massachusetts Health Connector, by broadening accessibility to cultural programming. Admission for EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare cardholders, is up to 2 tickets per eligible card for each Regular Production. Admission rate is $5.00 per person.

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ABOUT YOUR THEATRE INC
Your Theatre, Inc. is a non-profit, volunteer, community theater group in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Founded by Mary A. Smith in 1946, the theater has been in continuous operation since, and produces four to seven shows each season. The artistic and leadership team of YTI strives to create and celebrate the arts with the Southcoast community in an inclusive theatre environment. We are committed to providing an accessible, community-oriented opportunity for anyone interested in
theatre and embracing individuals from all walks of life.

We acknowledge, welcome and respect people of all races, ages, ethnicities, abilities, religions, gender identities and sexual orientations and the invaluable gifts they bring to the theatre experience. Your Theatre, Inc. is a proud member of the League of Historic American Theatres.

ABOUT STEEPLE PLAYHOUSE
Steeple Playhouse is a community arts center with Your Theatre, Inc. as its resident community theater group and is located at 159 William St, New Bedford MA. A prominent downtown New Bedford landmark, the steeple appears on the city seal. Built in 1829 as the First Baptist Church, it came to be known as the “Birthplace of Robert’s Rules of Order”.

Wheelchair accessible, Steeple Playhouse is open for outside rentals. We are another vital catalyst in New Bedford’s continued cultural renaissance.”

The following is an opinion sent to New Bedford Guide. It does not reflect the opinion of New Bedford Guide, nor is it an OP-ED. In fairness and objectivity, we share opinions from our readers whether we agree or disagree with their opinion.

Do you have a counter opinion to this opinion? Have an opinion about something else? Email us at info@newbedfordguide.com.

_____________________________________________________________________________

“Subject: Concerns and Issues with National Grid’s Services

Dear Editor,

I am writing to bring attention to ongoing issues I have experienced with National Grid. Despite residing in a small 500 sq/ft studio apartment in Fall River, MA, my electricity bills have been extraordinarily high. A recent bill for the period from 11/02 to 12/05 reached $535.29, a significant spike from my usual $200 range. This increase is alarming, especially considering the apartment’s size and my usage pattern.

Furthermore, despite multiple visits from electricians and a National Grid technician, no thorough checks were conducted on the calibration or accuracy of my analog power meter, which dates back to 2004. This lack of detailed inspection raises concerns about the meter’s accuracy and reliability.

I believe this situation may resonate with other residents facing similar issues with their utility providers. It’s crucial to highlight these concerns for community awareness and to seek a resolution from National Grid.

Sincerely,
Ollie”

“NEW BEDFORD – Police officers have arrested a wanted man for purse-snatching.   

On December 18th, at around 3 PM, an 82-year-old woman was in the Market Basket parking lot. As she was loading groceries into her vehicle, she was approached by a man who grabbed her pocketbook. The woman struggled but was nonetheless overpowered by the suspect who quickly fled on foot.

Detective Roberto Dacunha was assigned the case. Through his investigation, he discovered that the suspect had used one of the victim’s stolen credit cards to attempt several transactions at north-end businesses. With retrieved surveillance footage, officers were able to identify the suspect as ISAIAS FERREIRA DACOSTA, 31. Det. Dacunha applied for an arrest warrant and advised all units to be on the lookout. On December 23rd, DACOSTA was located by Detectives Nathaniel Almeida and Jonathan Miranda in the area of Holly St. and Ashley Blvd. He was subsequently placed under arrest.

DACOSTA is charged with unarmed robbery of a victim over 60 years old, and five counts of attempting to use the victim’s credit card. He also had three other warrants for his arrest.

“Officers try their best to solve all robberies, however, when the perpetrator is someone who targets the elderly, it strikes a particular chord with everyone involved. I’m grateful for the effort of all the officers involved, from the patrol officers who took the initial report and comforted the victim, to the major crime detectives who tracked the surveillance video, and finally, the narcotics detectives who could locate him and place him under arrest. Great work”-Chief Paul Oliveira.

If you have any information you would like to share with the police, you can do so anonymously by visiting our website, newbedfordpd.com, or by calling 508-99-CRIME.”-City of New Bedford Police Department.

“The tree will have to come down eventually, and when you’re ready, our pals at New Bedford Recycling have the details of when we’ll pick it up, or where you can drop it off.”-City of New Bedford.

City of New Bedford photo.

City of New Bedford photo.

“NEW BEDFORD – Narcotics detectives have placed two men under arrest following an investigation into a drug delivery service being operated out of a south-end residence.

On December 20th, at around 5 PM, detectives executed a search warrant at 98 Grinnell St. During this search, over 29 grams of cocaine and 38 grams of fentanyl were discovered along with digital scales, packaging materials, and cutting agents. In addition, $12,676 in US currency was located and seized as illicit proceeds from drug distribution.

The two men arrested were identified as Mr. LARRY PINA, 32, who resides at the Grinnell St. address, and Mr. ANTONION MARQUES, 56, of 1519 Purchase St. Both were taken into custody and charged with trafficking more than 18 grams of cocaine, trafficking above 36 grams of fentanyl, and conspiracy to violate the controlled substance laws.

At the time of this arrest, LARRY PINA had two open cases in New Bedford District Court for possession with intent to distribute class B substance and possession with intent to distribute class A substance.

The investigating officer was Det. Nathaniel Almeida.

If you have any information you would like to share with the police, you can do so anonymously by visiting our website, newbedfordpd.com, or by calling 508-99-CRIME.”-City of New Bedford Police Department.

City of New Bedford Police Department photo.

“New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park has announced winter hours of operation for the park’s visitor center.

The visitor center, located at 33 William Street, will be open to the public Wednesday – Saturday from 10 am – 4 pm. This change in hours begins January 1 and remains in effect until March 31, 2024. The visitor center will be closed on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays, including New Year’s Day.

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Established on November 12, 1996, New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park serves as a model for community partnerships in the National Park Service. Located in the urban setting of downtown New Bedford that spans over 13 city blocks, the park and its partners preserve, protect, and interpret the cultural resources associated with the history of the American whaling industry.

For more information, call 508-996-4095, visit nps.gov/NEBE or follow the park’s social media accounts on Facebook.com/NewBedfordNPS and Instagram.com/NewBedfordNPS.”

“A 41-year-old New York resident has been arrested on charges related to a late Christmas night motor vehicle double-fatality on the Somerset side of the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge.

Adam Gauthier, formerly of Somerset, was arrested shortly after the 11 pm crash and is currently being charged with two counts of Manslaughter while Operating Under the Influence, two counts of Motor Vehicle Homicide-OUI Liquor, and one count each of OUI-Liquor with Serious Bodily Injury, Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle and Driving the Wrong Way on a State Highway.

Massachusetts State Police of the Dartmouth Barracks received an emergency call at 11 pm last night regarding a collision on the bridge involving a wrong way operator.

The preliminary investigation has revealed that the defendant was driving a Range Rover eastbound in the westbound lane on Route 6 while crossing the bridge. While on the bridge, the defendant’s vehicle struck an Infiniti SUV head on.

The Infiniti was being operated by Floriano Arruda, 73, of Seekonk. Mr. Arruda’s wife, Donna Arruda, 68, also of Seekonk was in the front passenger seat and his 15-year-old grandson, Jacoby Arruda, also of Seekonk, was in the rear of the vehicle.

All three of the Arrudas were rushed to area hospitals. Jacoby Arruda was pronounced deceased last night at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, and Floriano Arruda was pronounced deceased this morning at Rhode Island Hospital. Donna Arruda is currently in critical condition at Rhode Island Hospital.

Beyond the two initial vehicles involved in the crash was a third vehicle that also sustained front end damage during the incident. The driver and front seat passenger of the third vehicle sustained minor injuries and were treated at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River.

After being arrested in connection to this incident, the defendant was transported to Saint Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford where he is currently being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. He will be arraigned on the charges previously noted in this press release from his hospital bed this afternoon.

The investigation into the crash remains ongoing at this time and is now the subject of a criminal prosecution. No further information can be disseminated.

The case will be prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Catherine Sauter.”

“DARTMOUTH, MA – On Saturday, December 23, 2023 at approximately 4:33 a.m., members of the Dartmouth Police Department located a stolen Toyota SUV in the parking lot of the Best Western Dartmouth – New Bedford, located at #737 State Road.

While monitoring the vehicle, detectives assigned to the Community Impact Unit observed a male, later identified as Blake DICKENS, 39, of #6368 Canyon Dawn Avenue, Las Vegas, NV enter the vehicle and start it with a key.

After detectives had DICKENS turn the vehicle off, he was detained pending the outcome of their investigation.

As a result of the investigation, DICKENS was placed under arrest and charged with receiving a stolen motor vehicle, uttering, possession of a false/stolen registry document (2 counts), and possession of a Class E drug.”-Dartmouth Police Department.

Dartmouth Police Department photo.