Massachusetts State Police Marine Unit, Dive Team Assist Stranded Boater in Boston Harbor

At 9 a.m. Monday morning, Marine 44, a vessel in the Massachusetts State Police Marine Section fleet being piloted by Trooper Daniel Carideo, was transporting two members of the State Police Underwater Recovery Unit to the United States Coast Guard base in Boston to conduct a hull survey on USCG Cutter Forward. Not long after embarking on that mission, however, Marine 44, with the MSP divers aboard, diverted to a call for a stranded pleasure boat that had run aground in shallow water on the back side of George’s Island in Boston Harbor.

Despite heavy fog conditions, Marine 44 located the pleasure boat, which had run aground in 2-3 feet of water. Because of the shallow water, neither Marine 44 nor a private marine towing vessel could get close enough to the pleasure boat to tow her off the rocky ocean floor. MSP divers Trooper Evan Breeding and Trooper Andrew Zeller entered the water and swam to the stranded vessel. Troopers Breeding and Zeller physically manipulated the boat off the rocks and into about 6 feet of water, where it could float freely.

The boat still required a tow, however, and Troopers Breeding and Zeller hooked up tow lines between the pleasure craft and a Sea Tow rescue towboat. The Sea Tow boat towed the boat to shore, and MSP Marine 44 and the two divers continued on to the USCG base, where they completed their initial mission.




Police seeking New Bedford man who nearly ran over police officer to escape arrest

UPDATE: On Thursday, July 19, Jazz Tavares, turned himself into Wareham District Court, stemming from an incident on Monday, involving Officer Charles Pillsbury. He posted $1,000 bail and is due to return to court on August 13.

The following is a press release from the Wareham Police Department:

On Monday, July 16, at about 1050, Wareham police officer Charles Pillsbury was working an off-duty detail on Hathaway Street. While directing traffic he noticed, Jazz Tavares, 29, of New Bedford driving by in a vehicle with a female as a passenger. Officer Pillsbury was aware that Mr. Tavares had a revoked driver’s license. He motioned Mr. Tavares to stop and advised him his license was revoked, at which point Mr. Tavares said, “I can’t believe you are doing this to me while you’re on a detail.” Mr. Tavares then stepped on the gas aggressively, causing Officer Pillsbury to run out of the way to avoid being struck by the vehicle. Officer Pillsbury radioed a description of the vehicle and last direction of travel.

Minutes later the vehicle was spotted by Department of Natural Resources Director/ Harbormaster Gary Buckminster on Cranberry Highway by New England Farms. Officers pulled the vehicle over, however Mr. Tavares was no longer driving, rather the female that had earlier been the passenger was now driving. This female, Kristina Boucher-Szwedko, 26, of Mattapoisett refused to cooperate with the investigation and was placed under arrest by Officer James White. Ms. Boucher –Szwedko was charged with, accessory after the fact of a felony, interfering with the duties of a police officer, and numerous motor vehicle violations as the vehicle was unregistered and uninsured, with attached license plates. Two small children in the car were removed and given to a family member who arrived on location.

The Wareham Police Department is actively seeking Jazz Tavares, for the charges of
assault with a dangerous weapon, operating to endanger, failure to stop for police, and operating with a suspended driver’s license. Mr. Tavares is well known by the WPD, and was arrested in 2014, with a stolen firearm in his possession. Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Jazz Tavares should contact the Wareham Police Department. The photo of Mr. Tavares is his booking photo from the 2014 arrest.




MS-13 Member Pleads Guilty to RICO Conspiracy and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm

An MS-13 member pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to RICO conspiracy and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by an illegal alien.

Manuel Landaverde, a/k/a “Scooby,” 26, a Salvadoran national, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO or racketeering conspiracy, and being an alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition. U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for Oct. 11, 2018.

The investigation revealed that Landaverde was a member of MS-13 and conspired with other MS-13 members to commit acts of violence, including murder and attempted murder, in Massachusetts. Landaverde, who was unlawfully present in the United States, also possessed and sold a firearm and ammunition knowing it would be used in connection with the racketeering conspiracy.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Commissioner Thomas Turco of the Massachusetts Department of Corrections; Essex County Sheriff Kevin F. Coppinger; Suffolk County Sheriff Steven W. Thompkins; Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley; Middlesex County District Attorney Marian T. Ryan; Essex County District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett; Boston Police Commissioner William Evans; Chelsea Police Chief Brian A. Kyes; Everett Police Chief Steven A. Mazzie; Lynn Police Chief Michael Mageary; Revere Police Chief James Guido; and Somerville Police Chief David Fallon made the announcement.




HELP WANTED: City of New Bedford is hiring for a Local Building Inspector

PAY: $19.23hr – $27.18h

Enforces all provisions of 780 CMR, 521 CMR (Architectural Access Board) and any other State statutes, rules and regulations, and ordinances and bylaws, which empower the building official. Explains, interprets and provides guidance regarding all applicable codes within area of responsibility to architects, engineers, contractors, developers and other interested parties.

Works with departments to review residential properties that pose a health safety or risk to the community and are abandoned. Undertakes activities associated with code, safety and health review of violations specifically on abandoned properties targeted by the Housing Task Force. Conducts an initial visual inspection of abandoned residential properties to identify the occupancy status and the nature and extent of health, safety or code violations.

At least five years of experience in the supervision of building construction or design; or a four-year degree in a field related to building construction or design; or an Associate’s degree in a field related to building construction or design; or any combination of education and experience, which would confer equivalent knowledge and ability as determined by the BBRS.

In addition, such persons shall have had general knowledge of the accepted requirements for building construction, fire prevention, light, ventilation and safe egress; as well as a general essential for safety, comfort and convenience of the occupants of a building or structure. Possession of a valid Massachusetts driver’s license and good driving record. Must have a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, mandatory by MGL Chapter 6 Sec. 172C.

For complete job description and application instructions, visit www.newbedford-ma.gov. Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is found. New Bedford has a residency requirement. EEO




Keating issues statement on Trump-Putin Summit

Below is a statement from Congressman Bill Keating, Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee’s Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade Subcommittee, on today’s summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.

“Today, the President of the United States stood next to the person who directed an attack on our country and instead of standing tall for America, he blamed us and our past leadership for Russia’s aggression. It was impossible to distinguish his words from Russian propaganda.

“Trump discarded evidence from our national security experts, dismissed our rule of law, and utterly failed in his responsibilities as our Commander in Chief. He has done more than just embarrass our country by not holding Putin accountable and refusing to denounce Russia for its interference in our elections. President Trump’s actions are an immediate threat to our national security.

“Every Member of Congress – Democrat, Republican, or Independent – who stands by silently after today is complicit.”




Captain with Bristol County Sheriff’s Office Convicted of Smuggling Profits to Portugal

A Captain with the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office was convicted today by a federal jury in connection with helping Carlos Rafael, known as the Codfather in the fishing industry, and the owner of one of the largest commercial fishing businesses in the U.S., smuggle the profits of his illegal overfishing scheme to Portugal.

Jamie Melo, 46, of North Dartmouth, Mass., was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit offenses against the United States and one count of structuring the export of monetary instruments. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for Oct. 24, 2018. The jury acquitted the defendant of one count of bulk cash smuggling.

During the trial, evidence showed that while at Logan International Airport Melo asked his friends and travel companions to carry envelopes of cash for Rafael on a flight to the Azores in Portugal. At the time, Melo was an Administrative Captain with the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office and was traveling to the Azores with Rafael for a charity event sponsored by the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office. Prior to the flight, Melo asked three of travel companions to follow him into the men’s bathroom at Logan Airport before going through the TSA Security Checkpoint and distributed four envelopes of cash, taking one for himself. Two days after arriving in Portugal, bank records demonstrate that Rafael deposited $76,000 in U.S. currency into his Portuguese bank account.

The charge of conspiracy provides for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of structuring the export of monetary instruments provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $500,000. 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; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Mark Tasky, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Philadelphia Field Office; and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil Gallagher and Justin O’Connell of Lelling’s Economic Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.




Flags in Massachusetts ordered to half-staff for Officer Michael Chesna

Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings beginning immediately, until further notice, in honor of Officer Michael Chesna of the Weymouth Police Department who tragically died in the line of duty on Sunday, July 15, 2018.

​This Gubernatorial orders apply to:

1. The main or administration building of each public institution of the Commonwealth, e.g. town and city halls.

2. Other state-owned or state-controlled buildings.

3. All state military installations.




Man allegedly drives motorcycle over 100mph in a 10mph zone to escape Wareham police

On Sunday at about 8:20 pm, Wareham police officer Charles Pillsbury observed a motorcycle fail to stop at a red light, on the traffic signal at Depot Street and Cranberry Highway.

Officer Pillsbury attempted to stop the motorcycle, however, it sped up, continuing up Maple Springs Road at a high rate of speed. It is estimated the motorcycle was going over 100 miles per hour in a 10 mph zone.

Officer Pillsbury backed off the pursuit due to the dangerous speeds, however, continued down Maple Springs Road, where he found the operator could not proceed any further. Officer Pillsbury, with the assistance of Officer Nate Aronson, then arrested Brandon Brower, 31, of Springfield.

Mr. Brower was with charged with a multitude of offenses including, failure to stop for police, operating to endanger, operating with a suspended license, marked lanes violation, speeding, operating an unregistered and uninsured vehicle, and fail to stop at a traffic signal.

Mr. Brower was transported to police headquarters for processing and is due to appear in Wareham District Court on Monday morning.




Summer Nights Concert Schedule at Hazelwood Park 2018

The following is the Mayor’s Summer Nights Concert Schedule at Hazelwood Park in New Bedford for 2018.

2018 Summer Concerts schedule




Faces Of New Bedford #162: Marley Dauphin

Meet Marley Dauphin, 9-year-old actress and singer. As far back as she can remember, she always remembers singing. Her mother even told her of the numerous times that she would hum to music, well before she could even talk.

As she got older and her mother saw her continued desire to act out different skits around the house and sing along to her favorite songs. After some research, her mother got her involved with a talent agency around the age of 7, which has helped tremendously in helping Marley pursue her dreams of becoming an entertainer.

Since working with the agency she has work with several companies and brands, such as General Electrics, Hasbro, Disney, and Star Wars, acting in over 10 commercials which are and will-be airing nationally and internationally. Her most prominent role to date is as the daughter of Pedro Pasquel’s, The Equalizer 2. Harley says that working with Denzel was such an amazing experience and he encouraged her, saying that he sees a great talent in her. Her hope is to go on and star in her own TV show, a mix of Glee and Punky Brewster, with the hope of inspiring girls across the world to be positive, humble, and kind.

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Faces of New Bedford is a project by Colton Simmons. If you are interested in booking a shoot or getting prints from the series email all inquiries to colton@coltonsimmons.com.

Follow Colton on Instagram: https://instagram.com/simmonscolton

Read more of the Faces of New Bedford series here.