The Massachusetts State Police today added to our list of Most Wanted fugitives a man who kidnapped and raped a woman at knifepoint, over several hours, in New Bedford last year. Troopers assigned to the MSP’s Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section and New Bedford Police are working around the clock to locate CARLOS M. VIZCAINO, 33, who has used numerous aliases and is actively trying to evade law enforcement.

In the early morning hours of May 31, 2018, New Bedford Police responded to a report of an unclothed female running from a vehicle. Responding officers discovered the victim with obvious injuries and got her to a local hospital. Subsequent investigation by New Bedford detectives suggests that VIZCAINO held the victim against her will at knifepoint for several hours and sexually and physically assaulted. The victim, who is in her mid-20s, forced her escape from his vehicle, where the assaults had occurred, and ran toward a stranger’s car. VIZCAINO fled in his vehicle and the occupant of the other car called police.

VIZCAINO, whom is reported to be a native of the Dominican Republic but has previously claimed to be from Puerto Rico, has used numerous aliases in the past, including the names LUIS CASTRO, ANGEL MAYSONET, LUIS LINARES, and CARLOS VIZCANO (no i). He has used various dates of birth and Social Security numbers with his aliases.

VIZCAINO is about 5’7” and 185 lbs., is white Hispanic, and has black hair and brown eyes (Most Wanted poster and supplemental poster attached). He has tattoos on his upper left arm and right shoulder, and scars on his forehead. He has ties to Lynn and Lawrence as well as to New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania.

Police obtained a warrant from New Bedford District Court charging VIZCAINO with the following offenses: armed kidnapping with sexual assault; rape with threat of bodily injury; and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. He additionally has four other Massachusetts warrants for various motor vehicle violations issued out of the Lynn, Lawrence, Framingham and Plymouth District Courts, and has another warrant, under the name ANGEL MAYSONET, for motor vehicle offenses out of a court in Salem, N.H.

Evidence suggests VIZCAINO has used a New Hampshire license under the name ANGEL MAYSONET during an prior interaction with police in Salem, N.H., as well as a Rhode Island license under the name LUIS CASTRO and other identification under the name LUIS MATEO CASTRO LINARES during a previous interaction with law enforcement in East Providence.

Anyone who sees VIZCAINO or has information about him or his whereabouts is urged to call 911 or the State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section at 1-800-KAPTURE (1-800-527-8873).

Yoga is known to be beneficial for body, mind, and spirit. However, for some people, yoga is not accessible. At Project Wheel House, the mission is to bring yoga to populations who often lack access to this form of mindfulness and exercise, but who would benefit greatly from adding yoga into their lives. If you are a yoga lover, you can help further this mission by participating in “20 in 20”, a 20-week long, outdoor yoga series hosted at Ned’s Point Light in Mattapoisett starting on Saturday, May 25th.

The yoga series will be called, “20 in 20”, with the goal of raising $20,000 over the course of 20 weeks, in order to “keep the wheel in Project Wheel House” turning. Attendees are asked to make a donation between $10 and $20 as they join other yoga enthusiasts of all ages and levels each Saturday morning at scenic Ned’s Point Light. The sessions begin at around 8:15 in the morning and end at 9:30 a.m.

Project Wheel House is a local non-profit organization founded in 2016, and since its inception has worked with numerous at-risk populations to bring the healing powers of yoga into the lives of those who may not have been introduced to it otherwise. Project Wheel House has worked with survivors of domestic violence, inmates, LGBTQ youth, and urban children throughout the SouthCoast region. As founder Jessica Webb describes it, “Meditation and yoga are practical skills that transform lives, but not everyone can get to a yoga studio, so we’re bringing the studio to them”.

Project Wheel House’s current partners include The Women’s Center, The Southcoast LGBTQ Network, YouthBuild NB, YWCA Girls Exclusive, Doodles Creative, and 3rdEye Unlimited.

For more details about the event, including the full schedule of Saturday morning yoga sessions and instructors, please visit: www.projectwheelhouse.org/20-in-20. Project Wheel House is a graduate of the Summer 2017 EforAll Southcoast entrepreneurship accelerator.

Facebook Event Page: facebook.com/events/439661826836841/
Website Info: projectwheelhouse.org/20-in-20

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Project Wheel House is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing yoga and mindfulness practices to underserved and at-risk populations. For more information, please visit https://www.projectwheelhouse.org, or contact program founder Jessica Webb directly by emailing NavigateLife@ProjectWheelHouse.org, or calling 774-582-0001.

On Friday, May 17 at 1:45 a.m., 29-year old Robert Stanton of Onset was arrested and charged with operating under the influence, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and marked lanes violation.

Wareham police officer Stephen Harrison noticed a vehicle traveling half on the sidewalk near Chili’s restaurant. After making further observations and stopping the car, Mr. Stanton was placed in custody. Officer Garrett Smith assisted in the arrest.

Earlier that morning at 12:15 a.m., another man was arrested for OUI. While on patrol Officer Robert McLain noticed a motorcycle and a male on the ground on Onset Avenue at Back Street. After a brief investigation the male was placed under arrest. Andrew McDermott, 56, of Wareham, is charged with operating under the influence of liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle and marked lanes violation. Officer Ryan Turner assisted at the scene.

Eleven individuals from Cape Cod and Rhode Island were arrested on Monday, May 20 and charged in federal court in Boston in a wide-ranging heroin conspiracy.

The following individuals were charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin:

Edwin Otero, 29, of Hyannis;
Justin Joseph, 32, of Pawtucket, R.I.;
Anthony Basilici, 35, of Pawtucket, R.I.;
Vinicius Zangrande, 35, of Centerville;
Krymeii Fray, 23, of Hyannis;
Brooke Cotell, 25, of Hyannis;
Ronny Baams, 37, of South Yarmouth;
Tony Johnson, 35, of Hyannis;
Eric Brando, 27, of Osterville;
Joshua Johnson, 31, of Mashpee; and
Kimberly Lopes, 49, of Hyannis

According to court documents unsealed yesterday, in 2018, federal, state and local law enforcement began investigating Edwin Otero, an alleged leader of a Cape Cod-wide drug trafficking organization. It is alleged that the investigation revealed Otero and his 10 co-defendants distributed large quantities of heroin and other controlled substances throughout Cape Cod, including in Hyannis, Mashpee, Centerville, Osterville, and in Pawtucket, R.I.

On May 8, 2019, Otero, Joseph, and Basilici were allegedly involved in a shooting at Fray’s residence related to a drug debt Fray owed. Agents intercepted Otero discussing the fact that he was involved in the shooting.

As a result of search warrants executed yesterday, heroin, packaging materials, scales, a finger press, and three firearms and ammunition, including a 9-millimeter assault-style weapon, were seized. A bullet hole in Fray’s home, consistent with the reported May 8 shooting, was also observed.

The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute heroin provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, a minimum of three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Barnstable Police Chief Paul MacDonald made the announcement yesterday. Valuable assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Office; U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Field Office; U.S. Secret Service, Boston Field Office; Federal Bureau of Investigations, Boston Field Office; Massachusetts State Police; Rhode Island State Police; Massachusetts Department of Corrections; Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office; and the Pawtucket (R.I), Providence (R.I), Falmouth, Mashpee, Yarmouth, Dennis, Sandwich, and Brewster police departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Pohl and Lauren Graber of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

“On Monday afternoon Chief 1, Engine 1, Marine 1 and Unit 1 responded to the Town Wharf for a report of a vessel taking on water.

Crews found a 1932 46’ wooden hull vessel that was rapidly taking on water and tied to a float. Crews deployed multiple gas powered and electric pumps to help keep the vessel above water.

Luckily the pumps were able to remove the majority of the water (approximately 4-5’) preventing any further damage to the vessel and before any fuels could leak creating an environmental concern.

Once the vessel was pumped out enough firefighters along with some helping hands and Marine 1 were able to get the boat into the ramp for it to be towed.

The Mattapoisett Harbormaster was also on scene providing assistance throughout the incident.” Mattapoisett Fire Rescue

Photos are courtesy of Matt Miller:

“On Saturday, May 18 around 7:46 PM Holyoke Police Department requested K9 assistance for a motor vehicle stop in their city. Trooper Alex Berry of the State Police K9 Unit responded to assist. K9 Indy was deployed on a scan of the vehicle and alerted to a narcotic odor on the driver’s side floor area.

Trooper Berry advised the Holyoke officers and they conducted a hand search locating 2 separate baggies of suspected Cocaine in a larger bag under the driver’s seat. They also located a loaded .22 caliber Ruger handgun under the passenger’s seat.

There were two occupants in the vehicle, both of whom were booked by Holyoke Police Department and charged with trafficking Cocaine and illegally possessing a loaded firearm.” – Massachusetts State Police

While working on a database of all those charged in New Bedford in 2019 with distributing/trafficking hard drugs like heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, crack, and other hard drugs, it’s painfully clear that the dealers live in concentrated areas of New Bedford. Nearly one-third (29%) of those arrested for distribution/trafficking of hard drugs lived on six streets in New Bedford. No other area shows the divide than the south end of the city where ALL the dealers live in the northern half of the peninsula.

To date in 2019, the New Bedford police department made 75 distribution/trafficking arrests. All of the busts in the south end are north of Rodney Street. 17 of the alleged drug dealers live within a mile of each other going from Winsor Street to Mott Street.

The worst street in the south end was Ashley Street with four people arrested for drug dealing calling that street home. The people arrested for dealing live at 37 (three roommates) and 50 Ashley Street. Charges include opioid/cocaine or Class E drug distribution.

The second worst street in the south end was Division Street with three people arrested for drugs living on the street. The people arrested for dealing live at 43 (two roommates) and 195 Division Street. Charges include Class E drug or fentanyl distribution.

Check out our article on New Bedford’s six worst drug dealer infested streets.

The following message was posted to the New Bedford Police Union’s Facebook page:

A MESSAGE FROM NEW BEDFORD POLICE UNION PRESIDENT HANK TURGEON

Dear Family & Friends:

We regret to inform you that we will not be holding this year’s Whaling City Festival which was scheduled to be held on July 11-14 at Buttonwood Park.

For the last several years, the New Bedford Police Union has taken great pride in sponsoring this event. Our priority has always been delivering a fun, safe and family-friendly event at an affordable cost.

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, including the severe and ongoing staffing shortages within the City of New Bedford’s Police Department, the 2019 Family Fun Festival Carnival & Circus cannot take place as we had hoped. The City of New Bedford has chosen to operate its Police Department without a full complement of officers, and unfortunately, this decision has negatively impacted the Union’s membership and resources.

Security deposits sent in by vendors will be returned shortly. We apologize for any inconvenience, and have made an effort to inform all affected parties as soon as possible.

The New Bedford Police Union remains committed to proudly protecting and serving the citizens of New Bedford, and sincerely hopes to sponsor this wonderful community event in the summers to come.

Keith Hovan, CEO of Southcoast Health, announced today plans to establish a Level II Trauma Center at St. Luke’s Hospital.

“We all know how important every minute – every second – counts when someone is badly injured,” said Hovan. “No one is more acutely aware of this than our region’s EMS providers, which is why I was delighted to share this information with them this morning.”

Hovan made the announcement at Southcoast Health’s annual EMS provider breakfast, which is held every year during National EMS Week to honor fire chiefs and other leaders of emergency medical services for their work in ensuring that the region has expert and timely emergency care.

“The development of a Level II Trauma Center at St. Luke’s will continue our mission of providing world-class care close to home for our patients and communities here in Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island,” Hovan said.

A Level II trauma center has the capability to see any type of trauma patient and has the same clinical capabilities of a Level I trauma center. A level II center is also not required to conduct research and have academic surgical residency programs. Establishing a Level II Trauma Center, centrally located in the region at St. Luke’s Hospital, will meet a critical community need. When completed, this new program will provide more timely, critical access to exceptional trauma care for patients of our region.

Becoming a Level II Trauma Center is a very rigorous and prescribed process which must be verified by the American College of Surgeons and approved by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. To immediately begin this important work, St. Luke’s Hospital has been actively recruiting leaders and providers who will lead this initiative. Key to this effort will be Southcoast’s newly recruited Chief of Trauma Surgery, Dr. Michael Grossman.

“Dr. Grossman is a skilled and experienced trauma surgeon and leader, having established two trauma centers – one in New York and one in Pennsylvania,” said Dr. Rayford Kruger, Chief of Surgery for Southcoast Health. “Building an expert team will be crucial to the formation of a well-designed trauma program that meets the needs of our patients.”

“I am very excited to be leading the effort to establish St. Luke’s as a trauma center,” said Dr. Grossman. “This is an exciting opportunity for the region and I am thrilled to play a key role at an esteemed organization to make this a reality for the patients of Southeastern Massachusetts.”

St. Luke’s Hospital will be required to submit data to the National Trauma Data Bank and Massachusetts Department of Public Health regarding treatment of trauma patients to be verified and accredited as a Level II Trauma Center. The process will take approximately 18 months to two years.

Cutline- Keith Hovan, chief executive officer of Southcoast Health shakes hand with Kevin Gallagher, fire chief for the town of Acushnet, at the Southcoast Health annual EMS provider breakfast.

Keith Hovan, CEO of Southcoast Health, announced today plans to establish a Level II Trauma Center at St. Luke’s Hospital.

“We all know how important every minute – every second – counts when someone is badly injured,” said Hovan. “No one is more acutely aware of this than our region’s EMS providers, which is why I was delighted to share this information with them this morning.”

Hovan made the announcement at Southcoast Health’s annual EMS provider breakfast, which is held every year during National EMS Week to honor fire chiefs and other leaders of emergency medical services for their work in ensuring that the region has expert and timely emergency care.

“The development of a Level II Trauma Center at St. Luke’s will continue our mission of providing world class care close to home for our patients and communities here in Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island,” Hovan said.

A Level II trauma center has the capability to see any type of trauma patient and has the same clinical capabilities of a Level I trauma center. A level II center is also not required to conduct research and have academic surgical residency programs. Establishing a Level II Trauma Center, centrally located in the region at St. Luke’s Hospital, will meet a critical community need. When completed, this new program will provide more timely, critical access to exceptional trauma care for patients of our region.

Becoming a Level II Trauma Center is a very rigorous and prescribed process which must be verified by the American College of Surgeons and approved by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. To immediately begin this important work, St. Luke’s Hospital has been actively recruiting leaders and providers who will lead this initiative. Key to this effort will be Southcoast’s newly recruited Chief of Trauma Surgery, Dr. Michael Grossman.

“Dr. Grossman is a skilled and experienced trauma surgeon and leader, having established two trauma centers – one in New York and one in Pennsylvania,” said Dr. Rayford Kruger, Chief of Surgery for Southcoast Health. “Building an expert team will be crucial to the formation of a well-designed trauma program that meets the needs of our patients.”

“I am very excited to be leading the effort to establish St. Luke’s as a trauma center,” said Dr. Grossman. “This is an exciting opportunity for the region and I am thrilled to play a key role at an esteemed organization to make this a reality for the patients of Southeastern Massachusetts.”

St. Luke’s Hospital will be required to submit data to the National Trauma Data Bank and Massachusetts Department of Public Health regarding treatment of trauma patients to be verified and accredited as a Level II Trauma Center. The process will take approximately 18 months to two years.

Cutline- Keith Hovan, chief executive officer of Southcoast Health shakes hand with Kevin Gallagher, fire chief for the town of Acushnet, at the Southcoast Health annual EMS provider breakfast.

58-year-old former Norton resident, Anthony Schmitka, was sentenced to serve up to three years in state prison last Friday after being convicted on charges that he stole more than $110,000 from his elderly/veteran father, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced today.

The defendant pleaded guilty in Fall River Superior Court to indictments charging him with two counts of larceny over $250 of a person older than 60 years old. He was sentenced by Judge Renee Dupuis to serve 27 to 36 months in state prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Michael Scott, the chief of DA Quinn’s Financial Crimes Unit.

On April 3, 2014, the defendant was charged in Attleboro District Court with various financial crimes related to the cash thefts from his father. On March 16, 2016, the defendant defaulted on the day of his jury trial and a warrant issued. He spent the next three years as a fugitive from justice until his arrest in March 2019.

The defendant, one of the first highlighted on the Bristol County Most Wanted Fugitives List unveiled to the public in February, was tracked down and apprehended in Woodstock, VT.

In February 2013, the defendants’ father, who is a US Military Veteran, received a retroactive benefits check for more than $110,000 from the Department of Veterans Affairs. During the next 12 months, this defendant is alleged to have stolen the money, using a portion of it to play the lottery and gamble at a local casino.

On February 14, 2019, District Attorney Quinn, joined by members of his state police unit and police chiefs from throughout Bristol County, announced the creation of a Bristol County Most Wanted Fugitives List and a new anonymous tip program during a press conference in Westport. During that announcement, the defendant’s name and photo was released to the public in hopes that new leads would be generated on his whereabouts. A week after this announcement, Norton Police received a tip stating that the defendant was hiding out in Vermont. This information was passed along to DA Quinn’s State Police Unit and the Massachusetts Violent Fugitives Apprehension Section (VFAS), since both agencies had been working collaboratively to locate and apprehend this wanted fugitive.

Thanks to that tip, tenacious investigatory work and the assistance of the US Marshals, investigators were able to take this fugitive back into custody in Vermont. The defendant has since waived rendition, is currently being held in custody in Vermont and will likely be transported back to Massachusetts to face the charges lodged against him in Fall River Superior Court sometime next week. District Attorney Quinn would like to thank VFAS, members of his state police unit, Norton Police, the US Marshals and the Woodstock, VT. Police for their help in locating and apprehending this fugitive from justice.

“I am very pleased the defendant was held accountable for stealing more than $100,000 from his elderly father. Not only did the defendant betray his father’s trust, he defaulted from court and fled to Vermont, where he lived off of government assistance. The money that he stole was from the Department of Veterans Affairs and was based on the victim’s military service, which makes the defendant’s conduct particularly ‘unconscionable,” District Attorney Quinn said. “After being put on the Bristol County Most Wanted Fugitives List, he was tracked down and apprehended in Vermont. We will continue to aggressively pursue people who abuse and defraud our elderly, and track down fugitives who are trying to evade prosecution for their serious crimes.”