“A 53-year-old man who raped or sexually molested five children under the age of 16 in New Bedford and Fairhaven was sentenced this week to serve 15 to 20 years in state prison, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced.

Andres Escribano Sanchez pleaded guilty in Fall River Superior Court to indictments charging him with two counts of rape of a child-use of force, two counts of rape of a child-aggravated by age difference, seven counts of indecent assault and battery on a person under the age of 14, three counts of attempted indecent assault and battery on a person under the age of 14, one count of indecent assault and battery on a person over the age of 14 and one count of assault with intent to rape.

During a sentencing hearing before Judge Raffi Yessayan, Assistant District Attorney Casey Smith argued that due to the egregious and continuous nature of the sexual assaults on children he was supposed to be helping to care for, the defendant should serve 25 to 30 years in prison and an additional five years of probation. The defendant, however, requested a 10 year prison term.

Judge Yessayan eventually sentenced the defendant to serve 15 to 20 years in state prison, to be followed by 10 years of probation.

There are five juvenile victims in this case, all of whom considered themselves related to the defendant in some way, by virtue of his relationship with the matriarch of the family. The defendant was the boyfriend of the grandmother to four of the victims and mother to the eldest victim, who was just 16 at the time of disclosure. They all lived together with the defendant in a three family home in New Bedford. The sexual assaults occurred between April of 2017 and April of 2020.

At the time of his arrest, the defendant was residing in Puerto Rico.

“The defendant raped and molested five young girls because he had access to them. The repeated rapes and sexual assaults of multiple young victims clearly demonstrates that the defendant is a predator and has a demented mind . He needs to be kept off the street and away from young children for the rest of his life,” District Attorney Quinn said.

“DARTMOUTH, MA – On Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at approximately 4:25 p.m., Dartmouth Police Detective Matthew CORREIA observed Joshua BISHOP, 29, of Fern Street, New Bedford operating a 2021 Jeep Compass on State Road.

Having prior knowledge that BISHOP was wanted by the Massachusetts Parole Board, Detective CORREIA attempted to stop the Jeep, at which time BISHOP accelerated and fled from Detective CORREIA.

As numerous officers had already converged on the area based on Detective CORREIA’s radio transmission, BISHOP was eventually stopped in the Stop and Shop parking lot on Faunce Corner Road and placed under arrest.

Dartmouth Police Department photo.

In addition to an outstanding warrant for larceny, BISHOP was charged with speeding, reckless operation, and failure to stop for police.

Upon the completion of booking at Dartmouth Police Headquarters, custody of BISHOP was transferred to members of the Massachusetts Parole Board.

According to Dartmouth Chief of Police, Brian P. LEVESQUE, “This department’s dedication to ensuring the safety of the public is not only exemplary, but also heroic at times. In addition to their numerous routine responsibilities, my officers are more frequently placing themselves in harm’s way as dangerous and callous individuals, such as BISHOP, are making their way to Dartmouth.”-Dartmouth Police Department.

“A Boston man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for sexual exploitation of children as well as distributing and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Robinson Alberto Baez-Nova, 39, of Jamaica Plain, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to 22 years in prison followed by a lifetime supervised release. In August 2023, Baez-Nova pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of children, one count of distribution of child pornography and two counts of possession of child pornography.

“This Office will do everything in our power to protect children and punish those who traffic in child pornography. Mr. Baez-Nova callously preyed upon some of society’s most vulnerable people, perpetuated a cycle of harm and exploitation and inflicted irreparable damage upon innocent lives. Today’s sentence ensures that this predator will be removed from our communities for nearly two decades and should be a stark warning for anyone who exploits children,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “There is no higher priority than protecting the vulnerable, especially children, from this type of horrific conduct.”

“Robinson Alberto Baez-Nova is a manipulative sexual predator who eagerly took advantage of children living in poverty in the Dominican Republic to sexually exploit them, apparently thinking he would just continue to fly under the radar,” Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division. “Today’s lengthy sentence proves him wrong and should send a message to anyone else sexually exploiting children: FBI Boston’s Child Exploitation – Human Trafficking Task Force will investigate, hold you accountable, and ensure your destination is federal prison.”

In November 2020, Baez-Nova was identified as the owner of a Google account that uploaded images and videos of CSAM between November 2018 and August 2020.

A subsequent search of Baez-Nova’s cellphone revealed a WhatsApp chat with a 17-year-old male living in the Dominican Republic who had access to his nine-year-old niece. Beginning in or around July 2020, Baez-Nova said that he would send money to the individual and his family in the Dominican Republic if the individual produced CSAM of the minor niece. Ultimately, the individual sent Baez-Nova five different videos of his minor niece in response to the Baez-Nova’s specific requests.

Additionally, a separate WhatsApp chat with a 14-year-old minor female residing in the Dominican Republic was also found on Baez-Nova’s cellphone. In the conversations, Baez-Nova solicited the minor female to obtain images and videos of “little kids” engaged in sexual conduct in exchange for money and sent the minor CSAM, including a video of the nine-year-old minor discussed above.

In total, over 200 images and over 400 videos of CSAM were found on Baez-Nova’s cellphone and in his Google account.

Acting U.S. Attorney Levy, FBI SAC Cohen and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office; Nashua Police Department; Hillsborough County (N.H.) District Attorney’s Office; and Homeland Security Investigations, Boston Field Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mackenzie Duane and Mark Grady of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.”-Masachusetts Department of Justice.

“NEW BEDFORD – Police have made an arrest in connection with a shooting outside of a Brock Ave. convenience store earlier this month.

Officers responded to the shooting at around noon on February 15th. No injuries were reported; however, a vehicle sustained damage before fleeing the scene.

As a result of the investigation that followed, Detective Jessica Niccoli secured an arrest warrant for DANIELSON VARELA, 18. He was located on February 23rd by patrol officers and taken into custody without incident. VARELA was charged with firing a gun within 500 feet of a building, assault and battery by firearm, and destruction of property.

He is currently being held without bail at the Dartmouth House of Correction.

The investigation remains active, and additional suspects are being sought.

If you have any information about crime, anonymous information can be provided at 508-99-CRIME or our website, www.newbedfordpd.com.”-City of New Bedford Police Department.

Governor Maura Healey has decided against sending the National Guard to assist with security concerns at Brockton High School, despite pleas from four members of the Brockton School Committee. The request was made to help control violence at the school, but Healey deemed it inappropriate.

Instead, Healey’s administration has provided a grant to Brockton to audit its current safety conditions. “As governor, I want to make sure that every student and educator in the state, including in Brockton, is safe and is able to go to school and learn in a safe environment,” Healey stated.

The push for National Guard intervention came after a press conference last week where school committee members highlighted issues of chaos within the school. However, Brockton Mayor Robert Sullivan opposed the idea of National Guard soldiers at the high school.

The proposal to bring in the National Guard stemmed from concerns about fights, disruptions, students leaving school without permission, trespassers, and teacher absenteeism. Some school committee members suggested using the National Guard as substitute teachers or hall monitors but faced pushback from those who believed it would send the wrong message to students.

Community members gathered outside the school on Monday as students returned from February break, showing support for both students and staff. They emphasized the importance of community engagement and parental involvement in addressing the issues at the school.

“ST. JOHNSBURY, Vt. A 15-year-old from Springfield, Massachusetts, whose name will not be released due to his age, has been charged as an adult with second-degree murder.

On January 23, 2024 the body of Christina Chatlos, 38, of Williamstown, VT, was found in a car in a St. Johnsbury parking lot. In the following days of the investigation it was determined that the 15-year old Massachusetts had been in a confrontation with Chatlos when he allegedly shot her in the torso.

It is not know whether the gunshot wound killed her instantly or she was left to die in the car when the teen fled the area.

Vermont State Police photo.

The 15-year old had been on the lam, but he was arrested on an unrelated Massachusetts warrant. He was immediately extradited to Massachusetts where he is currently in juvenile custody. A date has yet to be set for his arraignment in Vermont. He could face 20 years to life behind bars.

According to her obituary, Christina is survived by her son, David A. Sanville, and daughter, Hailey M. Ferranti, both of Williamstown, VT. Her parents, Andrew and Marilyn; brother, William “Bill” (Julie) Chatlos, Concord, VT. Sister, Mary (Antonio) Amormino, Macomb, MI, five nieces and a nephew.

After high chool, she went on to pursue her lifelong passion as an equestrian. For years, Christina completed and participated in riding events throughout the Twin State region. She and her horse, Rico, won numerous ribbons and together shared countless hours enjoying each other’s company. Besides her affection for horses, Christina enjoyed attending fairs, “Gymkhana” events, and horse shows. She loved cats, dogs, gardening, and spending time with her children.

Christina worked in the restaurant industry to help her continue with her equestrian interest. Christina met the love of her life, Thomas Ferranti, while competing at the Tunbridge Fair. They made their home in Williamstown, VT.

Vermont State Police photo.

Vermont State Police photo.

Vermont State Police photo.

“At approximately 6:15PM Monday night, Waltham Police Officers responded to the area of Bear Hill Rd and Route I-95 South to assist in locating a male prisoner that had escaped from a Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department transport vehicle on the highway.

Waltham officers joined Plymouth County Deputy Sheriffs and troopers from the Massachusetts State Police in the search. At approximately 7:00PM tonight the wanted individual was taken into custody in the Bear Hill Road area by officers.

The wanted individual was transported from the scene by Plymouth County Deputy Sheriffs.

Waltham PD will not be providing any further information at this time.

Any further questions can be directed to the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department.”-Waltham MA Police Department.

Peter Lobo photo.

Peter Lobo photo.

Peter Lobo photo.

“NEW BEDFORD – Police have placed a male who was already on court-ordered GPS under arrest after robbing an Uber driver at knifepoint directly outside of his own residence.

On Monday, February 19th, at around 5:30 PM, patrol units responded to the North St./Cedar St. intersection in response to the robbery. The driver stated he was waiting for his fare when he was approached by a male whose lower face was covered by a bandana. This male then produced a knife and demanded the driver’s belongings before fleeing the scene on foot.

Officers Tyler Viera and William Mouyos responded and were able to retrieve video footage that depicted the suspect’s face. With this video, they were able to identify the suspect as ISAIAH POINDEXTER, 22, of 117 Cedar St. The officers successfully located ISAIAH at this residence which is across the street from the scene of the crime.

POINDEXTER was wearing a court-ordered GPS anklet. This stems from his arrest last Summer after a vandalism spree during which he spray-painted “Dex” and other writings on numerous vehicles, including several BCSO cruisers parked near the Ash St. jail. As a result of those incidents, POINDEXTER has numerous open charges for vandalism out of New Bedford District Court.

Further investigation revealed that the GPS anklet POINDEXTER was wearing had tracked him to the intersection where the crime had taken place, at the same time it was reported to have occurred. At this time, he was placed under arrest and charged with committing an armed robbery while masked. The identity of the second suspect remains under investigation at this time.

If you have any information concerning this crime or any other, you can remain anonymous. Call 508-99-CRIME, or visit our website and leave tips at https://www.newbedfordpd.com/report/”-City of New Bedford Police Department.

“BOSTON – A Texas man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for threatening a Boston doctor affiliated with the national LGBTQIA+ health education center.

Matthew Jordan Lindner, 39, of Comfort, Texas, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge William G. Young to three months in prison and three years of supervised release. Lindner was also ordered to pay restitution of $2,986. In December 2023, Lindner pleaded guilty to one count of interstate transmission of threatening communication.

In August 2022, inaccurate information spread online regarding procedures doctors at Boston Children’s Hospital were performing for gender nonconforming children. On Aug. 31, 2022, Lindner called the Boston-based National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center and left a threatening voicemail targeting one of the Center’s affiliated doctors. In that voicemail, Lindner said: “You sick motherf*****s, you’re all gonna burn. There’s a group of people on their way to handle [victim]. You signed your own warrant, lady. Castrating our children. You’ve woken up enough people. And upset enough of us. And you signed your own ticket. Sleep well, you f****** c***.”

“This office will aggressively investigate and prosecute acts of hate and intimidation. Threatening a medical doctor providing essential care to children is deplorable. No one in this country should live in fear for their safety because of their identity, gender, race, religion or beliefs. Full stop.” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “We urge the public to call their local police or the FBI if they are ever threatened with physical harm the way the doctor in this case was simply for doing his or her job.”

“Imagine the terror of having your life threatened for just doing your job. Matthew Lindner accosted a physician for doing exactly that, and in doing so instilled unnecessary fear in the medical community,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Hateful, repulsive, and threatening behavior like this has no place here, and today’s sentence demonstrates that we won’t stand for criminals terrorizing innocent people. Nobody should have to fear becoming the target of vitriol-fueled violence.”

After leaving the threatening voicemail, Lindner continued to try to contact the victim. To that end, Lindner called the victim’s former medical practice and a university where the victim was a faculty member.

Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and FBI SAC Cohen made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian A. Fogerty and K. Nathaniel Yeager of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.”-Massachusetts Department of Justice.

“NEW BEDFORD – Police have arrested one male and are charging another after a dispute at a south-end automotive shop.

On Friday, February 16th, police responded to 1593 Cove Rd. regarding shots fired. Upon arrival, patrol officers learned that an argument over a civil matter had escalated into a physical confrontation. The owner of the shop, THOMAS VINAGRE, 39, got into a physical confrontation with Mr. DALLAS CHACE, 24. During the struggle, CHACE produced a firearm that discharged twice as the men grappled. Fortunately, nobody was struck, and a customer immediately called for police assistance.

Narcotics detectives Emily Pacheco and Matthew Sylvia were the first to arrive on the scene and successfully separated the two men. The firearm was secured, and CHACE was found to be duly licensed to carry it He was placed under arrest and charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm and two counts of attempt to commit assault and battery by firearm. The firearm, a 9mm semi-automatic, was seized.

A charge has also been requested on VINAGRE for assault and battery on CHACE.

If you have any information concerning crime, you can remain anonymous. Call 508-99-CRIME, or visit our website and leave tips at https://www.newbedfordpd.com/report/.”-New Bedford Police Department.