Massachusetts man sentenced for creating, distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM)

“BOSTON – A Chicopee man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Springfield for creating and distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Michael Geoffroy, 36, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to 20 years in prison and 10 years of supervised release. On Feb. 16, 2023, Geoffroy pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual exploitation of a child, three counts of distribution of child pornography and one count possession of child pornography.

“There is no higher priority in this office than protecting vulnerable children. As this case demonstrates, we will continue to devote significant resources to holding accountable in individual who engages in the sexual exploitation of children,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy.

“Michael Geoffroy sexually abused a little girl and documented it for his own twisted gratification. His trove of horrific images of that child and others represents an unimaginable level of pain and trauma inflicted on young victims,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Locking this sexual predator up doesn’t undo that damage, not by a long shot. But it does keep him from hurting anyone else and for that we are thankful.”

In December 2020, Geoffroy used a minor to create two videos and two images of CSAM. Geoffroy then distributed the videos and images in a chat group that same day. Geoffroy was arrested the following day and, during a search of his cellphone, was found in possession of more than 100 videos and images that depicting CSAM.

Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and FBI SAC Cohen made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Chicopee Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil L. Desroches of the Springfield Branch 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.”-Massachusetts Department of Justice.




New Bedford Police respond to volatile situation involving a man with a knife on Monday

“Police were called to a north-end residence to serve a commitment order on an emotionally disturbed person. Officers were advised that the male had expressed both suicidal and homicidal ideation. The male was also known to the officers to have been violent in the past.

Upon arrival, the male was located seated in a parked vehicle. He was holding a kitchen knife which he gestured towards the police.

At this time, rather than proceeding forward and engaging a male who was only an immediate threat to himself, the officers stepped back and encouraged communication. Family members spoke to the male in an effort to calm him down, as did police officers. Eventually, the male surrendered his weapon, exited the vehicle, and accompanied the police peacefully to the hospital.

The officers on the scene were David Figueiredo, William Suave, Marc Felix, and Lt. Arthur Hegarty.

“I’m proud of the officers’ approach to this call and their commitment to de-escalation during an extremely volatile situation. In the past, police were conditioned to simply charge recklessly forward to resolve a perceived threat. Today, officers are taking the time to consider all their options. That’s exactly what happened here, and the result couldn’t have been better.” -Chief Paul Oliveira.

If you or anyone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, you can call or text the Behavioral Health Line at 988, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Also, the Crisis Center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by calling 508-996-3154. The New Bedford Police Department has a clinician response during certain hours by calling 911.




Guatemalan man living in Massachusetts deported 4 times for illegal entry, OUIs, sentenced

“BOSTON – A Guatemalan man was sentenced on March 1, 2024 in federal court in Boston for unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation.

Romeo Waldemar Gabriel Lopez, 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Myong J. Joun to time served (approximately six months in prison) and one year of supervised release. In December 2023, Gabriel Lopez pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien.

Gabriel Lopez was first deported in April 2016 following a conviction for operating under the influence (OUI). His second deportation was in October 2016, after he was apprehended illegally crossing the border in Eagle Pass, Texas.

Gabriel Lopez was later apprehended in Texas after illegally crossing the border again in December 2016. He was subsequently deported for a third time in April 2017. In February 2020, Gabriel Lopez was found to have unlawfully reentered the United States again when he was arrested and charged with a second OUI. He was removed from the United States again in March 2020. Sometime after his March 2020 removal, Gabriel Lopez unlawfully reentered the United States and was arrested on charges of assault and battery, which were later dismissed.

In July 2022, he pleaded guilty to the second, pending OUI charge and was sentenced to probation. After being incarcerated for violating the conditions of his probation in August 2023, Gabriel Lopez was transferred into the custody of immigration authorities in September 2023.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Todd M. Lyons, Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Reynolds III of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.”-Massachusetts Department of Justice.




Massachusetts State Police seize MAC-11 machine gun, pistol, PCP, cocaine and arrest three

“A joint operation on Friday March 1, 2024, by the Massachusetts State Police and Springfield Police Firearms Investigation Unit (FIU) resulted in the arrests of three Springfield residents and the seizure of a large amount of cocaine, as well as Phencyclidine (PCP), a MAC-11 machine gun, and an additional semi-automatic handgun.

Over the past several months, the State Police Commonwealth Interstate Narcotics Reduction Enforcement Team’s West Unit (CINRET-West) investigated the distribution of cocaine out of a first floor apartment at 953 Liberty St., Springfield. In the early morning hours of Friday March 1, 2024, CINRET-West, assisted by Springfield FIU, executed a Springfield District Court “knock and announce” search warrant for that location.

Troopers and Officers searched the residence and located approximately 150 grams of suspected cocaine; Phencyclidine, commonly referred to as “PCP”; a loaded semi-automatic handgun; and a MAC-11 subcompact machine gun with ammunition and two large 32 round high-capacity magazines. The MAC-11’s high cyclic rate is able to empty the entire 32-round magazine in about two seconds with a rate of fire of 1,200 rounds per minute.

All three residents, 35-year-old CARLOS COLLAZO, 45-year-old LUIS CLEMENTE, and 38-year-old JOSELYN COLLAZO were placed under arrest and booked at the Springfield Police Department.

CARLOS COLLAZO was charged with the following offenses:

• Unlawful possession of a firearm;
• Possession of a machine gun;
• Possession of large capacity magazine (two counts);
• Unlawful possession of ammunition;
• Possession of a firearm with three or more prior violent offenses (two counts);
• Possession of a firearm in commission of a felony (two counts);
• Violation of a 209a order prohibiting possession of firearms/ammunition; and
• Trafficking in cocaine, 100-200 grams.

LUIS CLEMENTE and JOSELYN COLLAZO were each charged with the following offenses:

• Possession with intent to distribute a Class B substance (PCP); and
• Possession with intent to distribute a Class B substance (cocaine).”-Massachusetts State Police.




New Bedford Police investigating “shots fired” on Tinkham Street

“Last night at around midnight, north-end units responded to a call for shots fired in the area of Tinkham St. and Eric’s Way.

Shortly thereafter, an adult male victim presented at St. Luke’s hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Detectives are following up on the case, which remains very active at this time.”-City of New Bedford Police Department.




Massachusetts Police charge man after allegedly trapping two juvenile girls in bathroom

“HUDSON —Chief Richard DiPersio reports that the Hudson Police Department arrested and charged a Stow man with kidnapping. MICHAEL GADOMSKI, AGE 61, of STOW, was arrested and charged with:

• Kidnapping of Child
• Assault
• Disorderly Conduct

On Saturday, March 2, at approximately 12:30 p.m., Hudson Police responded to a church on Marlboro Street for an incident involving an adult male and two juvenile females.


Hudson Massachusetts Police Department photo.

Through an initial investigation, officers learned that an adult male, identified as GADOMSKI, followed two juveniles into the bathroom and prevented them from leaving.

Police determined that GADOMSKI has engaged in similar unwanted activity involving the same juveniles in the past. GADOMSKI was taken into custody without incident.

The juveniles were not harmed.

“I applaud these individuals for reporting this incident and for their bravery during this process,” said Chief DiPersio. “I would also like to commend our officers for their professionalism in helping to keep our community safe.”

GADOMSKI is scheduled to be arraigned in Marlborough District Court on Monday. These are allegations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty.”-Hudson Massachusetts Police Department.




Local, Massachusetts State Police investigating discovery of two bodies in Haverhill home

“A male and female were found fatallt shot inside a residence on Broadway Streetm Haverhill Sunday evening Essex County D.A. Paul F. Tucker and Haverhill Chief of Police Roberth Pistone announced.

Haverhill Police received a check the well-being call at approximately 5:43pm.

Responding officers found a male and female deceased from apparent gunshot wounds. Their identities are being withheld pending completion of notification of next of kin. There is no known risk to the public.

The incident is under investigation by the Essex County D.A.’s Office State Police Detective Unit and detectives from the Haverhill Police Department.”




New York man convicted in Boston for forced labor, sex trafficking 15-year old minor

“BOSTON – A New York man was convicted yesterday by a federal jury in Boston of sex trafficking a minor and forcing her to work at a strip club for his financial benefit.

Sherriff Cooper, 37, was convicted of sex trafficking of a minor by force, fraud and coercion; transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity; and forced labor. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for June 5, 2024. Cooper was indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2021.

“Justice was served here. Mr. Cooper abused his position of trust to violently exploit an innocent 15-year-old girl for his own financial benefit. The repeated violence and trauma he inflicted on the victim would be unimaginable if it wasn’t all so shockingly real. No verdict can erase the pain he caused, but we hope the young victim in this case and entire survivor community know that this Office will do everything in its power to hold dangerous predators accountable, and that this particular defendant will be off the streets for many years,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “This conviction does not happen without a tremendous, sustained effort by federal, state and local law enforcement partners who dedicate their professional lives to protect our children and ensure that exploitative traffickers like Mr. Cooper are held accountable.”

“The criminal acts that Sherriff Cooper were convicted of are stomach-churning,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Using physical threats to control another human being, to force them into sexual servitude, is unconscionable. It was imperative that FBI Boston’s Child Exploitation – Human Trafficking Task Force take him off the street. Unequivocally, our community is safer with Mr. Cooper behind bars, locked away where he can’t victimize anyone else’s child.”

In 2017, Cooper was working as a security guard at a residential program for pregnant teens when he met the victim, who was then 15 years old. He began a sexual relationship with her and, in early 2018, Cooper began sex trafficking the victim around Boston, posting advertisements for her on commercial sex websites and taking all the proceeds. He used violence, threats of violence and coercion to make the victim engage in commercial sex for his financial benefit.

Cooper transported the victim across state lines to sex traffic her in New York. While in New York, Cooper obtained a fake ID for the minor victim and forced her to strip at a club – again, keeping all the proceeds for himself. Cooper continued to use threats of violence, violence and coercion to keep the victim working at the club for his financial benefit.

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 minor by force, fraud and coercion provides for a sentence of a least 15 years and up to life in prison, up to five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of transportation of a minor with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, up to five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of forced labor provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $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 SAC Cohen made the announcement. Special assistance was provided by the FBI New York Field Division and the Malden Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Torey B. Cummings, Stephen W. Hassink and Lauren A. Graber of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.”-Massachusetts Department of Justice.




Hyannis woman sentenced in Boston for helping distribute Fentanyl in Southeastern Massachusetts, Rhode Island.

“A Hyannis woman was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for her involvement in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed fentanyl throughout Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Rebecca Bartholomew, 37, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to three years in prison and three years of supervised release. In October 2023, Bartholomew pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. Bartholomew was one of 10 individuals indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2022 in connection with the conspiracy.

In March 2021, an investigation began into a DTO operating in Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island led by Estarlin Ortiz-Alcantara. The investigation identified Bartholomew as a distributor for the DTO. Between April and June 2022, Bartholomew redistributed fentanyl she had obtained from Ortiz-Alcantara and allegedly other DTO members. During a traffic stop in April 2022, Bartholomew was found in possession of approximately 90 grams of fentanyl.

Bartholomew is the fourth defendant to be sentenced in case. Ortiz-Alcantara pleaded guilty in December 2023 and is scheduled to be sentenced on July 9, 2024.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; New Bedford Police Chief Paul Oliveira; and Fairhaven Police Chief Michael J. Myers made the announcement. Special assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; Homeland Security Investigations; Bristol County Sheriff’s Office; and Fall River, Taunton, Attleboro, Scituate, Yarmouth, Providence (R.I.) and West Warwick (R.I.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Mulcahy of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.”-Massachusetts Department of Justice.




Vermont State Police charge 29-year old New Bedford man with crack cocaine trafficking

“On February 29th, 2024, at approximately 2100 hours, Troopers from the Vermont State Police Rutland Barracks, members of the Vermont Drug Task Force, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Rutland Town Police Department conducted a motor vehicle stop in the Town of Rutland.

The operator of the vehicle was identified as Kalvin Holding (29) of New Bedford Ma. Holding was detained as a result of information gained during the traffic stop.

A K-9 was deployed and alerted to the presence of an odor of narcotics. A search warrant was applied for and granted. During the search of the vehicle 81.4 grams of a cocaine-based substance was found.

Holding was lodged at the Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility on 15,000.00 bail.”-Vermont State Police.