The following is a statement from U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling regarding proposed injection sites in Massachusetts:

“Supervised injection facilities” would violate federal laws prohibiting the use of illicit drugs and the operation of sites where illicit drugs are used and distributed. Employees and users of such a site would be exposed to federal criminal charges regardless of any state law or study.

I cannot envision any scenario in which sites that normalize intravenous use of heroin and fentanyl would be off limits to federal law enforcement efforts.

Heroin use fuels a deadly drug trade that is ravaging our state and the region, and my office is keenly focused on curbing the opioid and heroin epidemic. Providing a sanctuary to accommodate risky and lethal illegal drug use undermines all of the hard work of treatment providers and law enforcement across the Commonwealth.

The opioid epidemic requires that we remain laser-focused on prevention, treatment, and enforcement – not the normalization of intravenous use of heroin and fentanyl.

A Dominican national, wanted on murder charges in the Dominican Republic, appeared in federal court in Boston on July 19.

An arrest warrant charging Daniel Emilio Frias Segura with the 2010 murder of his wife was issued on April 9, 2010, by a Judge in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. U.S. Magistrate Judge Marianne B. Bowler issued a warrant for the arrest of Frias Segura yesterday, and he was arrested today in Lynn by U.S. Marshals with the assistance of the Massachusetts State Police and Lynn Police Department. He appeared in federal court in Boston and was ordered detained pending extradition. Today’s hearing involved the extradition of Frias Segura back to the Dominican Republic to face the charges.

According to Dominican authorities, on April 1, 2010, an individual sailing on the Haina River in the Dominican Republic observed the torso of a female floating in the river. The individual informed Dominican law enforcement, and on April 2, 2010, the female’s decapitated head was found inside two black plastic bags. On April 3, 2010, the female’s legs and left arm were found along the Haina River. On April 3, 2010, an autopsy report concluded that the female had been strangled to death and was subsequently decapitated and dismembered.

According to the Dominican investigation, on the late afternoon of March 31, 2010, a merchant and his employee were driving along a freeway when a young woman jumped out of a vehicle stopped in front of them. The woman ran toward the merchant’s vehicle, screaming that someone wanted to kill her. She sought refuge in the back seat of the merchant’s vehicle, but a man came out of the vehicle the woman had been in and violently removed her from the merchant’s vehicle. The man waived a gun and threatened the merchant and his employee. He told them the woman was his wife and they should not get involved. The merchant and employee each identified Frias Segura as the person claiming to be the victim’s husband. The next day, the torso of Frias Segura’s wife was spotted in the river.

Frias Segura left the Dominican Republic for Puerto Rico the day after his wife’s torso had been spotted in the river. A law enforcement investigation revealed that Frias Segura had been living in Lynn.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; John Gibbons, U.S. Marshal of the District of Massachusetts; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Lynn Police Chief Michael Mageary, made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor Wild of Lelling’s Criminal Division is handling the matter.

The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

An Abington man pleaded guilty this week in federal court in Boston to robbing three Greater Boston-area banks.

John Soule, 53, pleaded guilty to three counts of bank robbery. U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for Oct. 19, 2018. Soule was arrested and charged in September 2017 and has been detained since.

On July 12, 2017, Soule entered a branch of the Eastern Bank in Cambridge, where he jumped over the teller’s counter, stated that he had a knife, and demanded the bank’s money. The tellers gave Soule money from their drawers, and Soule exited the bank with $12,940.

On Aug. 9, 2017, Soule entered a branch of the Webster Bank on Franklin Street in Boston and announced a robbery. He jumped over the tellers’ counter and demanded the bank’s money. The tellers gave Soule money from their drawers, and he exited the bank with $3,137.

One month later, on Sep. 8, 2017, Soule entered a branch of the Rockland Trust on Quincy Street in Quincy, where he approached a teller demanding money and then jumped over the counter and entered the bank’s vault. A post-robbery audit determined that Soule stole $42,747 during the robbery.

Video surveillance cameras outside of all three banks captured images of Soule moments before the robberies and following the robberies on a mountain bike.

Throughout their investigation, law enforcement received various tips and information that Soule was the person responsible. On Sept. 29, 2017, law enforcement located and arrested Soule, who, at the time of his arrest, was in possession of over $8,000. Soule was later interviewed and admitted his involvement in the robberies, providing law enforcement with specific details.

Each charge of bank robbery provides for a sentence of no greater 20 years in prison, three 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 other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting this case.

A Roxbury man identified as John Doe was arrested today and arraigned in federal court in Boston.

According to the indictment unsealed today, Doe repeatedly used a Social Security number that was not his, including to obtain a U.S. passport, which he then used to enter the U.S., and in support of a claim for Massachusetts unemployment insurance benefits. The indictment also charges that Doe obtained public housing benefits worth over $65,000 by using a Social Security number that was not his. The defendant’s true identity remains unknown.

The charging statute for aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory sentence of two years in prison, to be served consecutive with any other sentence imposed, up to one year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of theft of public funds and using a passport obtained through false statements each provide for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of misuse of a Social Security number provides for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Scott Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division; William B. Gannon, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office; Michael Mikulka, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Labor Racketeering and Fraud; and Christina Scaringi, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Regional Office, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Wichers of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

On Thursday, July 19, at about 12:00 p.m. Wareham Police were requested to respond to Tobey Hospital for a stabbing victim in the Emergency Room seeking treatment. Officer Nate Aronson arrived to find a male who had been slashed across the face and was brutally kicked. Wareham Police detectives took over the investigation and determined the attack occurred in the Oakdale area, near Frank’s Way at about 11:30 a.m.

The attack was not a random incident and detectives have secured arrest warrants for the following individuals and their respective charges;

Christian Fernandes, 30 of Wareham
1. Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon
2. Mayhem

Thomas Tavares, 28, of Wareham
1. Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon

Andrew Booker, 29, of East Wareham
1. Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon

The victim is expected to survive the attack.

Any information on the whereabouts of these individuals, please contact the Wareham Police Department.

S. 2599, An Act to regulate bodywork therapy, filed by Sen. Montigny in conjunction with AG Healey and the DPL, will close a loophole that has exempted businesses that act as fronts for human trafficking from state oversight by adding bodyworkers, bodywork therapy and bodywork facilities and schools to the current state licensing structure overseen by the DPL.

“In case after case that we prosecute, human traffickers exploit the bodyworks loophole to oppress victims, escape oversight, and avoid law enforcement,” said AG Healey. “This legislation will allow the state to shut down fronts and illicit actors, while helping to legitimize law-abiding healing practitioners. We thank Senator Montigny and the DPL for their efforts to ensure that we have all the tools at our disposal to hold human traffickers accountable.”

“Human trafficking is an atrocious crime that inflicts an incomprehensible level of brutality and suffering upon victims. For too long traffickers have seized upon this loophole to perpetuate such heinous activity,” said Senator Montigny. “The Senate has again sent a clear message that we will do all that is necessary to further prevent, prosecute, and protect against human trafficking. I want to thank Attorney General Healey and DPL for joining this effort, which has resulted in strong measures to crack down on trafficking.”

“The Baker-Polito Administration has for years prioritized efforts and fought to close the bodyworks loophole and protect against human trafficking,” said Commissioner Chuck Borstel of the Division of Professional Licensure. “We appreciate the Attorney General and Senator Montigny for working together with us as partners to make Massachusetts a safer state for all residents.”  

“This legislation will allow law enforcement to better hold accountable those who make a profit off the sexual exploitation of others,” said Chief Brian Kyes, President of the Massachusetts Major City Chiefs Association. “The Massachusetts Major City Chiefs are happy to partner with these stakeholders on this important bill.”

The AG’s Office has investigated many establishments that purported to offer “bodyworks” or “bodywork therapy” but were in fact fronts for human trafficking operations. The individuals running these facilities characterized and advertised these businesses as providing “bodyworks” services to evade state licensing requirements that currently apply to massage therapy but are explicitly exempted for “bodyworks” under the current law. Through these sham businesses, defendants offered commercial sexual activity.

Under the current law, and unlike massage therapy, the practice of bodyworks therapy is not licensed by the DPL. “Bodyworks” is defined in the bill as the practice of a person who uses touch, words or directed movement to deepen awareness of patterns of movement in the body.

This legislation restructures the Board of Registration of Massage Therapy to include two bodyworks practitioners and a law enforcement representative specialized in human trafficking. The bill requires the Board to adopt regulations for the safe practice of bodyworks and allows practitioners and the public to participate in public hearings to assist the Board in setting training and certification requirements for each modality.

An Act to regulate bodywork therapy also authorizes the DPL to exempt certain modalities if the practice is otherwise licensed or accredited. Modeled after the current licensing structure for massage therapy, the bill sets out a license and application process, sets standards for advertising, provides a mechanism for reciprocity for out of state licenses, and authorizes the DPL to inspect and investigate complaints. Local police departments will also have the authority to inspect bodywork facilities. Under the legislation, current, legal bodyworks therapists are given time to comply with the new law. The bill now goes to the House for consideration.

Since January 2017, the AG’s Office has pursued indictments in connection with five separate criminal enterprises involving 10 individuals who set up illicit massage or bodyworks establishments as fronts for human trafficking. For example, in April, the Office charged Stephen C. Forsley and Liu Yang for human trafficking and money laundering with trafficking women for sex at the Day Spa and the Health and Relaxation Spa in Springfield, both of which were set up as fronts for illicit activity.

AG Healey has made combatting human trafficking a priority of her office. The AG’s dedicated Human Trafficking Division focuses on policy, prevention and prosecution and includes a team of specialized prosecutors, victim advocates and Massachusetts State Police troopers who handle high impact, multi-jurisdictional human trafficking investigations and prosecutions across the state. The Division also works closely with other state, federal and local agencies and NGOs in the development of policy initiatives and training programs. Through the Human Trafficking Division, the AG’s Office has charged more than 40 individuals in connection with human trafficking since the law went into effect in 2012.

Senator Montigny has long prioritized combatting human trafficking in the Massachusetts State Senate, filing one of the first bills in the country which ultimately became law in 2011. That legislation, which included a similar partnership with the Attorney General’s Office, criminalized human trafficking for commercial and sexual exploitation of people, including severe punishments ranging from five years to life imprisonment. It also provided survivors with affirmative protections and access to the Victims of Human Trafficking Trust Fund.

The Division of Professional Licensure works closely with state, local and federal government to combat human trafficking. The Division’s Office of Investigations participated in several joint inspections throughout the Commonwealth of Massage Establishments to ensure facilities were properly licensed and were not exploiting the existing loophole to engage in illicit and illegal activities.

Mayor Mitchell will hold neighborhood office hours for the Month of July on Tuesday, July 24 from 5:30 p.m. -7:00 p .m. at Gary’s Best Hot Dogs, 958 Ashley Boulevard.

Mayor Mitchell announced he would set aside time each month to hold office hours in city neighborhoods so that residents could meet with him outside of normal business hours and in their own neighborhood.

In his State of the City this year, the Mayor announced that a new format of office hours would be established, inviting residents to join him at local restaurants in different neighborhoods of the city. Food will be available at the office hours.

City residents are invited to attend the neighborhood office hours to meet with Mayor Mitchell directly and share their concerns and ideas, as well as a bite to eat. The sessions are open to all New Bedford residents, no advance appointments are required and meetings with the Mayor will be done on a first come, first served basis.

As always, click on the title for more or detailed information on the event. Most of the events were pulled from our event calendar where you can find hundreds of local area events each month. The event calendar is FREE, so if you are a local business, and not taking advantage of FREE publicity, shame on you! Are you a local business and want to sponsor this high traffic, weekend guide?

Contact info@newbedfordguide.com for more details. Have an event to add? Add it here. Know of another event this weekend? Post a reply!

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Friday, July 20th

Taber Library Annual Book Sale (Marion) (3:00pm-6:00pm)
Come and support your local library. All funds raised from the book sale are spent on enhancing our programs and services. Hardcover books will be on sale for $3, and paperbacks are $2. Children’s books will cost 2 for $1, single DVDs will be $3, $5 for a DVD series, and $5 for any over-sized books. Gently-used book/CD/DVD donations will be collected at the library during our open hours. For more information on the book sale, please call the library at 508-748-1252. Marion Town Music Hall, 164 Front St., Marion.

City of New Bedford Summer Sound Series: Phunky Autokratz (Top 40’s, Funk, Dance, R&B, Alternative) (6:00pm-8:00pm)
The Summer Sound Series will feature live musical entertainment on Pier 3 in Downtown New Bedford’s Seaport Cultural District. Residents and visitors will dance to live music, enjoy beverages available for purchase, and relax along New Bedford’s beautiful working waterfront. Free parking and shuttle service to City Pier 3 is available at Whale’s Tooth Parking Lot. Additional parking is available at Elm Street Garage within walking distance of City Pier 3. The public is invited to bring their chairs and enjoy front row seating to performances.

New Bedford Festival Theater presents “West Side Story” (7:00pm)
This classic American musical adapts the story of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, and places it in the alleys and tenements of 1950’s New York City. West Side Story follows beautiful Maria, newly arrived from Puerto Rico, as she falls for a young Caucasian man. Unfortunately, Maria’s brother heads the Puerto Rican street gang, while Maria’s beloved founded the rival white gang. Can true love between a boy and a girl from warring camps find room to flourish amidst racial tension? That is the age-old question explored in West Side Story, one of the best-loved musicals of the American stage. Zeiterion Theater, 684 Purchase St. New Bedford.

Movies in the Park presents “E.T.” at Buttonwood Park (7:30pm-9:00pm)
Phone home with E.T. on the big screen. Movies in the Park, an outdoor movie series staged east of the Buttonwood Park playground. The movie begins at sunset (approximately 7:30 p.m.); attendees are encouraged to arrive early and bring their own blankets and lawn chairs for seating. The mission of Movies in the Park is to promote New Bedford’s civic vitality and encourage the use and enjoyment of Buttonwood Park by city residents and visitors alike during the summer of 2018 and beyond.

“Funny Please” at The Bar (9:00pm-11:00pm)
Do YOU like funny?? Come on down to The Bar at 266 Dartmouth St in New Bedford, MA. and join us as Funny Please presents “Funnyfest”. A night of sketch and improv comedy; come be part of the show!

“Front & Center” Band at Pub6T5 (9:00pm-12:00am)
Front & Center is one of the finest live performance bands in New England. We provide completely live music for all occasions. What you hear is what we play and sing with dynamic choreography and audience participation. We give you a great variety of music, Top 40, R&B, Pop, Rock, Oldies, Jazz, Funk and Reggae. 736 Ashley Blvd, New Bedford, MA.

Saturday, July 21st

“Team Up To Clean Up” City-wide cleanup (8:30am-12:00pm)
Operation Clean Sweep is holding a City-Wide cleanup. Volunteers are encouraged to form Teams, choose from a list of areas in need of litter cleanup and work together in the spirit of community and camaraderie. They may also select an area they find needs litter clean up or join an existing Team. Hosted by AFC Urgent Care, meet in their parking lot located at 119 Coggeshall St. in the Market Basket Plaza. The host will provide a light breakfast, water and restroom facilities.

Operation Clean Sweep provides gloves, bags, tools, t-shirts, and reusable water bottles (while they last) to participating volunteers. Returning volunteers are encouraged to wear their green tee and bring back their water bottle for each cleanup. Domino’s will provide free pizza to participating volunteers. Pre-register for the cleanup at www.operationcleansweep.net or by calling 508-979-1493. Walk up registrations are welcome on the day of the event. Community Service hours are provided. Youngsters under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Working together, we are making New Bedford a cleaner, greener place to live, work and play!

“King & Queen For A Day” – FREE haircuts, snacks & drinks (9:00am-12:00pm)
King and Queen for a Day takes place downtown at the Iglesia Rebano Church at 205 Middle St. New Bedford. Free haircuts, snacks and drinks.

Taber Library Annual Book Sale (Marion) (9:00am-1:00pm)
Come and support your local library. All funds raised from the book sale are spent on enhancing our programs and services. Hardcover books will be on sale for $3, and paperbacks are $2. Children’s books will cost 2 for $1, single DVDs will be $3, $5 for a DVD series, and $5 for any over-sized books. Gently-used book/CD/DVD donations will be collected at the library during our open hours. For more information on the book sale, please call the library at 508-748-1252. Marion Town Music Hall, 164 Front St., Marion.

Edaville Family Theme Park Activities: Curious George! (10:00am-5:00pm)
Come RIDE, ROAR, and EXPLORE at the exciting world of Edaville! With 3 PARKS IN 1, you can ride through Cran-Central, roar throughout Dino Land, and explore with Thomas & Friends through the magical Island of Sodor! Admission includes all rides & attractions. MA/RI Residents save up to $7 per date-specific ticket online only. Restrictions apply. Discount applied after applicable billing address entered. Edaville Family Theme Park, 5 Pine St. Carver.

New Bedford Festival Theater presents “West Side Story” (7:00pm)
This classic American musical adapts the story of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, and places it in the alleys and tenements of 1950’s New York City. West Side Story follows beautiful Maria, newly arrived from Puerto Rico, as she falls for a young Caucasian man. Unfortunately, Maria’s brother heads the Puerto Rican street gang, while Maria’s beloved founded the rival white gang. Can true love between a boy and a girl from warring camps find room to flourish amidst racial tension? That is the age-old question explored in West Side Story, one of the best-loved musicals of the American stage. Zeiterion Theater, 684 Purchase St. New Bedford.

“DJ Adam Demello” Band at Pub6T5 (9:00pm-12:00am)
70’s – 80’s – 90’s & Top 40 dance until 1:ooam. 21+ after 9:00pm. No cover.736 Ashley Blvd, New Bedford, MA.

“Outta Kontrol” at The Bar (9:00pm-1:00am)
The Summer fun continues at The Bar! Bring those dancin’ shoes, cuz you WILL be up & rockin’ with us!!! No cover & awesome food too!! We got your dance, rock, country tunes ready & some new ones too!!! The Bar, 266 Dartmouth St, New Bedford.

Sunday, July 22nd

FREE New Bedford Adult Wellness Program (9:00am-1:15pm)
Free wellness programming for all levels. Open to the public.

Martin House Farm Historic House Tour (Swansea) (1:00pm-4:00pm)
The Martin House Farm is a rare example of an 18th and early 19th century farm which still retains the character of its original setting. It consists of the house, two barns and cultivated fields surrounded by dry stone walls and woodlands. Full story: nscdama.org/about/.

Edaville Family Theme Park Activities (10:00am-5:00pm)
Come RIDE, ROAR, and EXPLORE at the exciting world of Edaville! With 3 PARKS IN 1, you can ride through Cran-Central, roar throughout Dino Land, and explore with Thomas & Friends through the magical Island of Sodor! Admission includes all rides & attractions. MA/RI Residents save up to $7 per date-specific ticket online only. Restrictions apply. Discount applied after applicable billing address entered. Edaville Family Theme Park, 5 Pine St. Carver.

New Bedford Festival Theater presents “West Side Story” (2:00pm)
This classic American musical adapts the story of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, and places it in the alleys and tenements of 1950’s New York City. West Side Story follows beautiful Maria, newly arrived from Puerto Rico, as she falls for a young Caucasian man. Unfortunately, Maria’s brother heads the Puerto Rican street gang, while Maria’s beloved founded the rival white gang. Can true love between a boy and a girl from warring camps find room to flourish amidst racial tension? That is the age-old question explored in West Side Story, one of the best-loved musicals of the American stage. Zeiterion Theater, 684 Purchase St. New Bedford.

Sunday Night Karaoke at PUB 6T5 (5:00pm-9:00pm)
Join us for Karaoke on Sunday nights from 5-9pm. Hosted by Mario Figueirido. 736 Ashley Blvd, New Bedford, MA.

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Want to sponsor this weekend guide? Contact info@newbedfordguide.com for more details.

Meet Scott O’Brian, 27-year-old owner of Toyz4Boyz. Growing up in the area, Scott’s father had always been an entrepreneur, owning a bunch of different businesses. One of those businesses was a hobby store, where he sold, fixed, and repaired RC vehicles. Naturally, Scott fell in love with the vehicles and would race them, even competing in national competitions.

Over the years his father’s businesses brought them across the country, eventually landing them back in Fall River, where his father, along with his uncle, started Toyz4Boyz which specialized in RC vehicles and jet ski repair and sales. The company eventually relocated to New Bedford and Scott would work in the shop throughout his teenage years.

Once Scott had gotten older and was working for the U.S. Postal Service, his father was at a crossroad with the company, as he had a fish sales company that was taking his full attention. Rather than sell the company to someone else, he offered it to Scott and with his history in the industry, Scott decided to continue on his father’s legacy.

At Toyz4Boyz, Scott specializes in all types of RC vehicles, selling and repairing cars, trucks, drones, and boats. The shop is also the home to a race track, where they hold weekly and monthly race events. Recently, Scott has even held a charity race, where all of the raffle and entry fees went to the American Heart Association in memory of one of his customers who had passed of heart failure.

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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.

Read more of the Faces of New Bedford series here.

According to Massachusetts State Police, a child pornography suspect with ties throughout Massachusetts and recently added to the Massachusetts State Police Most Wanted Fugitives list was captured this afternoon in New Jersey after the MSP Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section (MSP VFAS) and US Marshals developed information that he was hiding there.

Stephen C. Cote, 47, was arrested by New Jersey officers as he got out of a motor vehicle in the parking lot of the Westgate apartment complex in Lakewood, NJ.

Recently, MSP VFAS Troopers and US Marshals in Springfield developed information about COTE’s location and the vehicle he might be driving and forwarded it to the NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force.

Members of that Task Force began working the case and today set up surveillance outside the apartment complex where COTE was believed to be staying. After several hours of surveillance, Task Force members, who were working with US Marshals and officers from the New Jersey State Police and New Jersey Department of Criminal Justice, were rewarded when COTE drove into the lot in the suspected vehicle, parked, and exited.

Task Force members positively identified Cote and placed him into custody on an outstanding warrant.

Cote was wanted the Massachusetts State Police, the Northampton Police Department, and federal law enforcement authorities for receipt of material involving sexual exploitation of minors. An arrest warrant for Cote was issued in November 2015 after investigators developed evidence that he was in possession of child pornography, but Cote went on the run at that time and has been sought ever since.

MSP VFAS Troopers added Cote to the Department’s list of Most Wanted Fugitives on June 25.

Cote will be held until his arraignment in federal court in the near future.