A Dominican National residing in Boston was arrested today for allegedly using others’ identities to fraudulently obtain Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits. Wilson Radhames Peguero Brea, 52, was charged with one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. Following an initial appearance today before U.S. District …
Read More »FDA expands eligibility for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster to 16-17 year-olds
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration amended the emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, authorizing the use of a single booster dose for administration to individuals 16 and 17 years of age at least six months after completion of primary vaccination with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. “Vaccination …
Read More »Massachusetts man sentenced for COVID-Relief Fraud and Identity Theft
A Malden man was sentenced today in connection with submitting fraudulent applications for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). The federal PUA program provides unemployment-related benefits to individuals who have been impacted by COVID-19. Wagner Sozi, 33, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge George A. O’Toole Jr.to 39 months in prison and …
Read More »Massachusetts man pleads guilty to possession of child pornography
An Upton man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Worcester to possessing child pornography. Matthew Stefanelli, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography before U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman who scheduled sentencing for March 18, 2022. Stefanelli was arrested and charged on July …
Read More »New Bedford’s Mayor Mitchell outlines investment priorities for City’s federal ARPA funds
Elise Rapoza of UMD’s Public Policy Center Named ARPA Director. Mayor Jon Mitchell has outlined investment priorities for more than $80 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, focusing on transformational projects and programs that will leverage additional sources of capital, maximize the funding’s impacts and improve the …
Read More »Massachusetts convicted sex offender pleads guilty to child pornography offenses through Facebook messenger
Defendant induced a minor in the Philippines to engage in sexually explicit conduct using Facebook messenger. A Greenfield man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Springfield to receipt of child pornography. Charles Fox, 46, pleaded guilty to two counts of receipt of child pornography. U.S. District Court Judge Mark …
Read More »New Bedford Fire Department honored by Massachusetts for actions in County St. house fire
“Several members of the New Bedford Fire Department were honored by the state for their actions on March 21, 2021, when Engine 6 and Ladder 3 responded to a housefire at 303 County Street. Crews rescued two tenants from the second and third floors using ground ladders, and put out …
Read More »Dominican National living in Massachusetts charged with Cocaine Conspiracy
A Dominican national recently residing in Lawrence was charged yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with a cocaine distribution conspiracy. Michael Saredi-Munoz Morta, 21, was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. According to charging …
Read More »Sobriety Checkpoint scheduled in Bristol County
Colonel Christopher S. Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, announced that a “Sobriety Checkpoint” will be implemented by the Massachusetts State Police on a Public Way in Bristol County from Bristol from Saturday, November 20, 2021 into Sunday, November 21, 2021. The purpose is to further educate the motoring …
Read More »Upcoming New Bedford vaccination clinics; start vaccinations now to have safe, healthy holidays
COVID-19 vaccination clinics are planned for the next several days in New Bedford. No appointment is needed at these walk-up clinics. Available vaccines can change according to supplies. Clinics now are offering CDC-approved booster shots for eligible recipients, in addition to first- and second-dose vaccines and, at some locations, pediatric …
Read More »