Late Thursday night, the New Bedford Police Department received reports of shots fired at the Blue Meadows Apartments on Dartmouth Street across from Stop and Shop. In addition, they received a report that a person came into St. Luke’s Hospital who had sustained at least one gunshot wound.

It is currently unclear if the person drove themselves to the hospital or they were brought their by a friend or family member.

At the scene of the shooting at the Blue Meadows Apartments police encountered a vehicle “riddled” with bullets and another car with a bullt hole. NBPD had the car riddled with bullets to police headquarters and impounded as evidence.

The street had at least 6-7 evidence cones, most of which were bullet casings.

“It’s a drug fest down there. It’s not worth living in that area.” said Jamie Smith. Echoing a common complaint for those who live in the apartments and nearby,

All photos by Carlos Pimental Felix :

“A Canton man was convicted today by a federal jury in Boston of sex trafficking a minor who had been reported missing.

Keion Rowell, 24, was convicted following a four-day jury trial of one count of sex trafficking of a child. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for Dec. 11, 2023. Rowell was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in April 2022 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2022.

“Justice was delivered today. Mr. Rowell preyed on a vulnerable 15-year-old girl, grooming her and then trafficking her and pocketing the money. This conduct is despicable and has no place in a civilized society. This prosecution should send an unmistakable message that this office and our law enforcement partners are dedicating all the resources needed to make sure predators like Mr. Rowell will face the full weight of the law,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “Sex trafficking causes immeasurable physical and long-term emotional suffering, and this office will continue to work tirelessly to seek justice for the brave survivors.”

“Keion Rowell forced a 15-year-old child into sexual servitude, for his own greed and financial gain,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “While FBI Boston’s Child Exploitation – Human Trafficking Task Force can’t erase the harm he’s done, we’ve made him answer for it. We thank the jury for bringing justice for his victim and ensuring Mr. Rowell can’t claim anymore.”

According to evidence presented at trial, on or about Jan. 18, 2021, Rowell met the 15-year-old victim, who had recently run away from home. Almost immediately, Rowell created and posted numerous online commercial sex advertisements that contained photos of the victim, including nude photos, and told her that she would have to engage in prostitution. Rowell then communicated with sex buyers and sent the victim to meet with those men to have sex in exchange for money he kept. On Jan. 28, 2021, approximately 10 days after the victim had been reported missing, law enforcement participated in an undercover operation to rescue her. When she was recovered, the victim had Rowell’s phone which contained photos of the victim, photos of Rowell and information about his personal bank accounts, links to online advertisements for commercial sex and communications with sex buyers.

If you or someone you know may be impacted or experiencing commercial sex trafficking, please contact USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov.

The charge of sex trafficking of a child carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, with a maximum sentence of up to life in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and FBI SAC Cohen made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Boston and Belmont Police Departments, as well as the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian A. Fogerty of the Civil Rights & Human Trafficking Unit and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alyssa Tochka are prosecuting the case.”-Massachusetts Department of Justice.

“NEW BEDFORD – New Bedford Major Crime Detectives have placed a male under arrest for a recent shooting in the city’s south end.

On Wednesday, September 6th, at around 1 PM, south-end units responded to a ShotSpotter activation in the area of the Ben Rose housing development. Bullet casings were discovered and there was damage sustained to a nearby vehicle.

Detective Roberto DaCunha was assigned to further investigate the incident. During the course of his investigation, he was able to determine that Mr. JONATHAN OVALLE, 20, of 17 Division St., fired two rounds from a handgun at a passing vehicle. There were no injuries to any of the vehicle occupants.

A warrant was requested for OVALLE. On the afternoon of September 12th, he was located near his residence and taken into custody without incident. He has been charged with discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a building, carrying a loaded firearm without a license, destruction of property, and assault by means of a firearm. He is currently being held without bail at the Dartmouth House of Correction pending.”-City of New Bedford Police Department.

“A 51-year-old New Bedford man was convicted by a jury of his peers late this afternoon in New Bedford District Court of Motor Vehicle Homicide by Negligent Operation in connection to the 2022 death of an Assonet woman, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced.

The jury deliberated for less than an hour before returning its guilty verdict around 4 pm today. The trial began yesterday afternoon.

At around 2:30 am on August 20, 2022, state and local police were called to an area of Route 140 North in New Bedford after receiving a 911 call about a motor vehicle vs. pedestrian incident.

Evidence at trial showed that Christopher Noguera was driving northbound on Route 140 in his Ford F-150 when he crossed over into the breakdown lane and slammed into Joy Swartzendruber, who was standing next to her Toyota Avalon. Dash-cam video seized from the defendant’s vehicle showed that the victim was clearly standing off the roadway when the defendant’s truck first impacted the rear driver’s side of her vehicle and then into her and other portions of her vehicle. Her vehicle had all its lights on and was visible to other motorists on the highway. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The video also showed the defendant driving negligently during the minutes before the crash. His vehicle could be seen frequently drifting from lane to lane and into the breakdown lane in the moments before the crash.

The defendant remained on scene after the crash and was not impaired or excessively speeding. However, the jury found he clearly was operating his motor vehicle in a negligent manner, which directly led to the fatal incident.

The maximum sentence allowable for the charge is two-and-a-half years in the house of corrections.

Assistant District Attorney Patrick Driscoll, who prosecuted the case, argued that the defendant should be sentenced to two-and-a-half years in the house of corrections with two years to serve and the balance of the sentence suspended for three years. The defense requested minimal jail time.

Judge Kristen Stone, however, sentenced the defendant to two years in the house of corrections, with one year to serve and the balance of the sentence was suspended for three years. This “split sentence” means if the defendant is charged with a new crime during the three years after his eventual release from jail, he could be liable to serve the remaining year of the jail term. The defendant also had his driver’s license revoked for 15 years.

“The defendant’s negligent operation of his pickup truck resulted in a terrible tragedy that could easily have been avoided. The victim was clearly in the breakdown lane when the defendant struck and killed her. My heart goes out the family for their terrible loss. I hope today’s verdict, and the sentence imposed by the court, provides some consolation to them,” District Attorney Quinn said.”

“A Boston man was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Boston for allegedly masturbating and exposing himself within the view of a 14-year-old female seated next to him onboard a flight from Honolulu to Boston in May 2022.

Dr. Sudipta Mohanty, 33, was indicted on one count of lewd, indecent and obscene acts while in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. Mohanty was arrested and charged by criminal complaint on Aug. 10, 2023 and was released on conditions.

According to the charging documents, at the time of his arrest Mohanty was an internal medicine and primary care doctor with a practice in Boston. It is alleged that, on May 27, 2022, Mohanty was a passenger aboard a Hawaiian Airlines Flight enroute from Honolulu to Boston with a female companion. Mohanty was allegedly seated next to a 14-year-old minor travelling with her grandparents, who were seated nearby.

About half-way through the flight, the minor allegedly observed that Mohanty had covered himself with a blanket up to his neck and that Mohanty’s leg was bouncing up and down. Shortly thereafter, the minor observed that the blanket was on the floor, no longer covering Mohanty, and that Mohanty was masturbating. The minor moved herself to an empty seat in a different row for the remainder of the flight.

After arriving in Boston, the minor informed members of her family about the incident and law enforcement was notified.

The charge of lewd, indecent and obscene acts while in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States provides for a sentence of up to 90 days in prison, up to one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $5,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.”-Massachusetts Department of Justice.

The New Bedford Police Union is raising concern over an influx in shootings in New Bedford recently. They noted on social media, “Not including a shooting which occurred at 12 a.m. today, 6 of the first 10 days of September have had incidents of shots fired.”

Although not all of the incidents have been made public at the moment, we have been able to locate 4 reported incidents of “Shots fired” in September.

• September 1st at 2:17am near Devoll Street.

• September 8th at 4:24pm near West Rodney French Blvd.

We have reached out to the New Bedford Police Department to get further details on the 6 incidents and are awaiting response.

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NEW BEDFORD – New Bedford narcotics detectives have arrested a repeat offender for trafficking in Fentanyl.
On Monday, September 4th, detectives concluded their investigation into a fentanyl distribution operation being run out of 101 Coffin St., apartment #1.

The target of the investigation was Mr. MANNY CARDONA MOLINA, 22.

At around 11 AM, detectives breached the door to the apartment and MOLINA was observed jumping out of a window. He was then stopped and secured by detectives who were watching the perimeter. During the search, a baby formula container was located which contained over 112 grams of fentanyl and a cutting agent. Additionally, 2 cellular phones, cut-corner baggies, and a digital scale were found.

MOLINA was arrested in December of last year for trafficking in over 190 grams of fentanyl following a raid on Phillips Ave. He was also arrested in March of this year following a raid on S. Second St. This arrest marks the third time in less than a year that MOLINA has been the target of a drug raid by narcotics detectives. At the time of his arrest, MOLINA was on a GPS anklet and under home confinement.

“It frustrates me to see how much of our limited resources we continue to spend on the same individuals time and time again. Here is a person who has been raided by our narcotics detectives three times in less than the span of one year. When those who deal in illicit poison are not held in the jails that we put them in, it not only compromises public safety but also diminishes the motivation of our law enforcement officers who should ideally be inspired to serve..”

-Chief Paul Oliveira

September is “National Recovery Month”. In 2022, overdose deaths in America hit a new high of nearly 110 thousand, many of which were the result of fentanyl (Mann, 2023). The New Bedford Police Department re-affirms its commitment to taking the dealers off the streets and encouraging those who struggle with addiction in their recovery.

The investigating officer was Detective Drew Frenette.

New Bedford Guide has been receiving daily complaints about a variety of rental scams going on in the city and on Facebook’s marketplace. The scammer uses pictures showing an enticing interior and a price that is below market value – something anyone would leap at if it was genuine.

While we show here part of the conversation between the victim and the crook, by law we cannot show the individual’s face because he has not officially been charged with a crime.

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“I think it’s important to let people know there are lots of scams going on in New Bedford’s marketplace apartment rental section.

I have pictures of a house for rent including the conversation with the supposed homeowner. Come to find out this man has no connection to this house at all and it’s occupied!

The fake owner was assuming that I would come alone and probably planned to rob me.

I made a report with the police department. They had me come in, sit down, and show them everything. I appreciate you warning the public I just don’t want to see anyone get hurt or scammed.”

Facebook photo.

Facebook photo.

Facebook photo.

Facebook photo.

“I am a police officer with Concord Police in Concord, NH.

The female attached in these images is Rebecca Motta. She is a resident of New Bedford, MA. My agency has an active nationwide extraditable warrant for Rebecca for committing the crime of “Organized Retail Crime Enterprise,” which is a B Felony. Other agencies also have warrants for Rebecca for other theft related offenses.

Rebecca and an accomplice (who we already arrested) stole thousands of dollars of alcohol from various NH Wine and Liquor Outlets throughout NH. Rebecca is aware she has a warrant and has since absconded. She continues to steal alcohol in our state.

Would your administrators be able to post an article on your Facebook page seeking the citizens of New Bedford’s assistance in telling us Rebecca’s current whereabouts? If so, feel free to describe the circumstances I mentioned above, including the attached photos and her full name, and direct citizens to provide any tips on her current whereabouts to our NH Concord Regional Crimeline by either visiting our site at https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=234 or by calling (603) 225-8600. NH CrimeLine offers monetary rewards for any information that can help lead to an arrest.

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions. Thank you for your consideration and assistance.

Respectfully,

Jason S. Garrahan
Patrol Officer, Badge #76
603.225.8600 extension 8697

Concord Police Department
35 Green Street
Concord, NH 03301″

Concord Police Department photo.

“On Saturday at approximately 7:00 p.m., NH Fish and Game was notified by NH State Police of a single vehicle UTV rollover on Success Pond Road involving a 13-year-old passenger.

Jason Cabral, 40, of New Bedford, MA was doing a doughnut in a parking area off Success Pond Road when his machine flipped onto its side. Cabral was uninjured in the rollover, however his passenger, who is a minor, was injured in the incident. An emergency call was placed by a member of Cabral’s riding party and Berlin Police and Fire and EMS personnel responded to the scene to assist the patient and investigate the incident.

The minor was transported to Androscoggin Valley Hospital in Berlin by Berlin Ambulance for treatment of her injury that was determined to be non-life threatening.

A conservation officer investigated the scene of the incident, and another responded to AVH where an interview of Cabral confirmed what had been determined at the scene by investigators along with witness statements.

Cabral was issued citations for operating an OHRV to endanger life or property and carrying a passenger less than 18 years old who was not wearing a helmet.

Alcohol and drug intoxication are not considered factors in this matter.

NH Fish and Game would like to remind all operators to respect safety laws on the trails.”