Sheriff Heroux is reinventing re-entry services at the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office

“When Bristol County Sheriff Paul Heroux assumed Office in January 2023, he had a vision to change the reentry unit. He recognized the potential for improvement and began to enhance the support and services provided to incarcerated individuals upon release.

The restructuring resulted in the creation of an entirely new department with a new Chief of Inmate Services. This department led by Jodi Hockert-Lotz, the newly appointed Chief of Services, was established to oversee medical care, food services, programming, education, post-release services, and reentry initiatives. Dedicated positions were also created exclusively for post-release services.


BCSO photo. Sheriff Heroux and Chief of Inmate Services Jodi Hockert-Lotz.

“Healthcare is everything people commonly think of but also includes mental health and drug treatment. Lastly, getting a job requires an education or skills training.”

The Sheriff created coordinator roles focused on specific aspects of post release including housing, healthcare, employment, and other support services. Each coordinator leads a team of post-release workers who are experts in their respective fields, providing tailored support to incarcerated individuals transitioning back into society.

“The Sheriff’s vision has inspired the staff to be creative with finding solutions to improve upon what we have in place and to seek new opportunities that will contribute to a rehabilitative environment,” said Hockert-Lotz.


An incarcerated individual at the BCSO participates in the welding vocational program. This individual is working on a new suicide resistant beds that will be used in the housing units. BCSO photo.

Beyond creating more designated staffing in this area, the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) also expanded programming and education opportunities for incarcerated individuals. The BCSO launched a welding program for incarcerated individuals where participants learn the skills necessary to obtain certifications. Some participants where even able to assist in the creation of new suicide resistant bunk beds.

Another new program is a partnership with MassMEP, a course dedicated to instructing individuals on various manufacturing jobs and placing them with employers prior to their release. Individuals participating in the CDL program now have access to hands-on learning opportunities in the community, expanding upon what was previously just a simulation experience.

“I am honored to lead this unit and be part of this transformation,” said Hockert-Lotz. “These changes will not only benefit incarcerated individuals by providing a platform for personal growth and skill acquisition but also contribute to a safer environment for both staff and those incarcerated.”

With an entire unit dedicated to reentry services, incarcerated individuals now have ample opportunities for personal growth, skill acquisition, and preparation for life back in the community.”-Massachusetts Sheriffs’ Association.




Lakeville firefighters respond to 4 vehicle accidents in less than 12 hours

“The first crash occurred at the intersection of Rt 18 and 79 Thursday, just before 5:00 pm.

Then at approximately 5:45, firefighters responded to the intersection of Bridge and Main Street for a 2 vehicle crash.

At 7:52 pm aa third crash occurred when a car struck the utility pole on Clark Road at the mailboxes.

Finally, on Rt 140 north was the scene of crash at 4:01 am Friday morning. The accident occurred just south of Myricks Street.

Multiple people were provided with treatment but none of the injuries or complaints were serious.”-Lakeville, MA Fire Department.


Lakeville, MA Fire Department photo.


Lakeville, MA Fire Department photo.


Lakeville, MA Fire Department photo.




Massachusetts man arrested for allegedly running a dogfighting ring from his home

Operation resulted in the seizure of several pit bull-type dogs.

“BOSTON – A Hanson man was arrested today for allegedly possessing dogs at his Massachusetts home for participation in a dogfighting venture.

John Murphy, 50, was indicted on nine counts of possessing animals for use in an animal fighting venture, in violation of the federal Animal Welfare Act. Murphy will appear in federal court in Boston at 10:45 a.m. today.

According to the indictment, Murphy possessed numerous items associated with possessing dogs for participation in an animal fighting venture at his residence in Hanson, Mass., including: intravenous infusion equipment; syringes; antibiotics; injectable anabolic steroids; injectable corticosteroids; a skin stapler; forceps; equipment used to train dogs, including a treadmill, a slat mill, a carpet mill, and a flirt pole; dog training and fighting literature; a hanging digital scale used to weigh dogs for matches; written training regimens; break sticks, used to separate fighting dogs; and a breeding stand used to immobilize female dogs during breeding to prevent harm while mating.


ASCPCA photo.

The United States also filed a civil forfeiture complaint against 13 pit bull-type dogs, seized in June 2023 from Murphy’s residence and another residence in Townsend, Mass. As alleged in the civil forfeiture complaint, several of the seized dogs had evidence of scarring. The dogs are currently in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) being cared for by a USMS-contractor. Pursuant to the Animal Welfare Act, animals involved in violations of 7 U.S.C. § 2156 are subject to forfeiture to the United States.

At both locations where the dogs were seized, as alleged in the civil forfeiture complaint, the following items commonly associated with an illegal dogfighting operation were found: training equipment; veterinary supplies; dog fighting literature, DVDs, and/or CD-ROMs; kennels used to house dogs individually; and break sticks, which dogfighters use to force open a dog’s bite onto another dog’s body, specifically at the termination of a fight or while training.

The civil forfeiture complaint also alleges that Murphy communicated with other dogfighters via Facebook where they discussed the results of dogfights, injuries sustained by fighting dogs, as well as breeding dogs. It is alleged that Murphy also belonged to private dogfighting Facebook groups used to share fight results, buy and sell fighting dogs and exchange information on training and conditioning fighting dogs, among other things.

It is further alleged that Murphy’s Facebook accounts contained a photo of a pit bull-type dog with scarring and discolorations on its head and leg consistent with that of dogfighting, a photo of a pit bull-type dog restrained in a breeding stand, and videos that depicted pit bull-type dogs physically tethered to treadmill-like-devices commonly used to physically condition dogs in preparation for a dogfight. One video allegedly depicted what appears to be live bait placed at the end of the mill to entice the pit bull-type dog to run faster and harder.


ASCPCA photo.

To report animal fighting crimes, please contact your local law enforcement or the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General complaint hotline at: https://usdaoig.oversight.gov/hotline or 1-800-424-9121.

The charges of possessing animals for use in an animal fighting venture each provide for a sentence of up to 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 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; Christopher P. Robinson, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region; John E. Mawn Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police; and Joseph F. King, Director of the Animal Rescue League of Boston – Law Enforcement Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by Homeland Security Investigations; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service; U.S. Marshals Service; Maine State Police; New Hampshire State Police; Massachusetts Office of the State Auditor; Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals; and the Hanson, Boston, and Acton Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Danial E. Bennett and Kaitlin J. Brown of the Worcester Branch Office and Trial Attorney Matthew T. Morris of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD), Environmental Crimes Section, are prosecuting the case. Carol E. Head, Chief of the Asset Recovery Unit for the District of Massachusetts, and Trial Attorney Caitlyn F. Cook of ENRD’s Wildlife and Marine Resources Section are prosecuting the civil forfeiture case.

The details contained in the charging documents and civil forfeiture complaint are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The United States must establish that the dogs are subject to forfeiture by a preponderance of the evidence.”

________________________________________________________________________

Statement From Acting U.S. Attorney Levy on First Federal Dogfighting Case Charged in the District of Massachusetts:

“John Murphy, of Hanson, Mass., was arrested after being indicted by a federal grand jury charging him with nine counts of possessing animals for use in an animal fighting venture – in violation of the federal Animal Welfare Act.

Court filings allege that on June 7, 2023, federal agents executed a search of Mr. Murphy’s residence in Hanson and seized nine pit bull-type dogs possessed for the purpose of animal fighting.

Federal agents also recovered from Mr. Murphy’s home many items commonly used with dogfighting operations, including:

• Veterinary supplies and disposable skin staplers, used to close dogfight wounds;
• Injectable anabolic steroids;
• Dog fighting literature and other dogfighting training equipment; and
• Break sticks, which are used by dogfighters to pry open a dog’s bite on another dog.
We have also filed a civil forfeiture action to forfeit the dogs seized to date during the investigation.

This is the first-time federal criminal charges have brought in the District of Massachusetts under the federal Animal Welfare Act. Dogfighting for entertainment and profit is cruel, it’s inhumane, and it is a felony under federal law.

Today’s arrest puts an end to the calculated brutality we allege Mr. Murphy perpetuated and should serve as a warning to others who engage in the barbaric practice of dog fighting.

The investigation remains ongoing.”-Massachusetts Department of Justice.




ERO Boston catches unlawfully present Guatemalan, charged with child sex crimes in Massachusetts

Local jurisdiction refused immigration detainer despite 9 counts of indecent assault and battery on a child less than 14 years old.

“BOSTON – Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Boston apprehended an unlawfully present Guatemalan noncitizen who has been charged with a myriad of crimes including sex crimes against minor victims in Massachusetts. Deportation officers from the ERO Boston field office arrested the 33-year-old Guatemalan national March 28, 2024, near his residence in Lynn, Massachusetts.

“This unlawfully present Guatemalan national has been charged with sex crimes against Massachusetts children,” said Field Office Director Todd M. Lyons. “His very presence in our community represents a dire threat to our residents. ERO Boston will continue to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing any such threat to the people of New England.”
The Guatemalan noncitizen unlawfully entered the United States on an unknown date, at an unknown location, and without being inspected, admitted, or paroled by a U.S. immigration official.

Authorities in Lynn, Massachusetts, arrested the Guatemalan noncitizen in March 2022. The Lynn District Court in Lynn, Massachusetts arraigned him on assault and battery on a household member and strangulation/suffocation charges March 30, 2022. Two days later, the court arraigned the noncitizen on the charge of reckless endangerment of child. On February 14, 2023, however, the Lynn District Court dismissed all charges against the Guatemalan noncitizen.

The East Boston District Court in Boston, Massachusetts, arraigned the Guatemalan national June 26, 2023, on the charges of compulsory insurance violation; number plate obscured/not displayed/ concealed ID; and forgery. The court East Boston District Court dismissed those charges June 26, 2023.

The Lynn District Court arraigned the noncitizen On Nov. 8, 2023. This time the court charged him with three counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14; assault to rape child; two counts of assault and battery on child with injury; and intimidation. The court again arraigned the Guatemalan national Nov. 15, 2023, on the charge of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14. On Feb. 27, 2024, however, The Lynn District Court dismissed all indictments for superior court arraignment.

ERO Boston lodged an arrest warrant and immigration detainer against the Guatemalan noncitizen Nov. 20, 2023, with the Essex County Correctional Facility in Middleton, Massachusetts.

The Essex Superior Court arraigned the Guatemalan national Feb. 26, 2024, on 9 counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14; rape of a child; 2 counts assault and battery; and intimidation of a witness.

On an unknown date, the Essex County Correctional Facility refused to honor ERO Boston’s immigration detainer and released the Guatemalan noncitizen.

Deportation officers from ERO arrested the Guatemalan national March 28, 2024, near his residence in Lynn Massachusetts and served him with a notice to appear before a Department of Justice (DOJ) immigration judge. He will remain in ERO custody pending removal proceedings.

As part of its mission to identify and arrest removable noncitizens, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) lodges immigration detainers against noncitizens who have been arrested for criminal activity and taken into custody by state or local law enforcement. An immigration detainer is a request from ICE to state or local law enforcement agencies to notify ICE as early as possible before a removable noncitizen is released from their custody. Detainers request that state or local law enforcement agencies maintain custody of the noncitizen for a period not to exceed 48 hours beyond the time the individual would otherwise be released, allowing ERO to assume custody for removal purposes in accordance with federal law.

Detainers are a critical public safety tool because they focus enforcement resources on removable noncitizens who have been arrested for criminal activity. Detainers increase the safety of all parties involved – ERO personnel, law enforcement officials, the removable noncitizens, and the public – by allowing an arrest to be made in a secure and controlled custodial setting as opposed to at-large within the community. Since detainers result in the direct transfer of a noncitizen from state or local custody to ERO custody, they also minimize the potential that an individual will reoffend. Additionally, detainers conserve scarce government resources by allowing ERO to take criminal noncitizens into custody directly rather than expending resources locating these individuals at-large.

ERO conducts removals of individuals without a lawful basis to remain in the United States, including at the order of immigration judges with DOJ’s Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). EOIR is a separate entity from DHS and ICE. Immigration judges in these courts make decisions based on the merits of each individual case, determining if a noncitizen is subject to a final order of removal or eligible for certain forms of relief from removal.

As one of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) three operational directorates, Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) is the principal federal law enforcement authority in charge of domestic immigration enforcement. ERO’s mission is to protect the homeland through the arrest and removal of those who undermine the safety of U.S. communities and the integrity of U.S. immigration laws, and its primary areas of focus are interior enforcement operations, management of the agency’s detained and non-detained populations, and repatriation of noncitizens who have received final orders of removal. ERO’s workforce consists of more than 7,700 law enforcement and non-law enforcement support personnel across 25 domestic field offices and 208 locations nationwide, 30 overseas postings, and multiple temporary duty travel assignments along the border.

Members of the public with information regarding child sex offenders are encouraged to report crimes or suspicious activity by dialing the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or by completing the online tip form.”-Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Boston.




Massachusetts DoT announces upcoming work on New Bedford’s Rt. 140

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) announced that work on Route 140 in New Bedford is scheduled to begin on Monday, April 1, at 7 p.m. Both sides of the roadway will be resurfaced between mile markers 0.0 and 5.2, which will require some ramp closures and detours.

MassDOT said the work will be conducted weekly from Sunday night through Friday morning, between the hours of 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. Drivers are urged to give themselves extra travel time and reduce their speed in the area.




New Bedford’s Buttonwood Park Zoo announces change to operating hours

“New Bedford, Massachusetts: The Buttonwood Park Zoo is announcing a slight change to operating hours for the upcoming spring and summer season.

Starting April 1, BPZOO will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week, a slight change from previous summer and spring seasons. The Zoo is also eliminating the “last admission” time of 3:15 p.m.

“The guest experience is paramount to us,” Gary Lunsford, BPZOO’s Director of Zoological Services, said. “We examined feedback and carefully monitored animal behavior in the late afternoon hours and found that closing at 4 p.m. ensures our guests get the best out of their visit to the Zoo.”

BPZOO strives to ensure community access and works with many community organizations to provide discounted or free admission. The New Bedford Free Public Library offers up to four admission passes to New Bedford residents as do 33 other free public libraries in communities across the region. BPZOO is proud to participate in the “Card to Culture” program and offers 50% off four admission tickets to Massachusetts EBT, WIC, and Commonwealth Care card holders.

The Buttonwood Park Zoo is located at 425 Hawthorn St. in New Bedford and is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, apart from Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Ticket prices for non-New Bedford Residents are $10 for adults/$6 for children 3-12; Ticket prices for New Bedford Residents are $7.50 for adults/$4.50 for children 3-12. Annual membership passes are also available. For more information, visit www.bpzoo.org or call (508) 991-4556.”




Empire Ford of New Bedford’s “Veteran of the Month”: Lt. Richard Tasker, killed during mid-air crash

“The 54th Lights for Peace flag to fly at the Fort Taber – Fort Rodman Military Museum honors the memory LT Richard Frost Tasker, of New Bedford, who was killed in action at the age of 24, during a mid-air crash while piloting a B-17 Bomber in WWII.

Tasker was born in New Bedford on October 31, 1920. He enlisted in the United States Army Air Force (USAAF) on December 15, 1942 and was commissioned to 2nd Lieutenant on March 12, 1944 in Stuttgart, AK. On October 26, 1944 he departed Dow Field in Bangor, ME aboard a B-17, bound for the European Theatre of Operations (ETO) in England.

Tasker trained to become a pilot, eventually flying the B-17 Flying Fortress, assigned to the 359th Bomb Squadron, 303 Bomb Group, based in Molesworth, England during WWII.


Lt. Richard Frost Tasker, of New Bedford.

LT Tasker flew his first mission abroad on November 23, 1944 and continued to fly 18 successful missions. On January 21, 1945, Tasker and his crew took off on a mission to bomb the Marshalling Yards in Aschaffenburg, Germany. This was to be his 19th mission and was supposed to be a “milk run,” meaning that no serious German opposition was expected. However, Mission #305 was reported to have a mid-air collision between two B-17 Bombers.

The two aircraft crashed near the German city of Lossburg. It was reported that the left wing of the Squadron lead aircraft, piloted by LT Richard Duffel, caught the wing of another B-17 piloted by LT Richard Tasker, the lead aircraft of the 2nd flight. The wing of Tasker’s aircraft came off and the aircraft rolled over on its back and went down. The first aircraft lost it’s wing and went down as well. No parachutes were spotted by other 303rd Bomber Group crews. The aircraft crashed near Rottweil, Germany. A total of 18 airmen died that day, all of which were buried in a common grave, until years later when they were identified and buried according to their family’s wishes.

LT Richard F. Tasker was 24 years of age when he was killed in action. He was unmarried at his time of death. His father died before the war so is mother, Estella was notified of his death. He is buried at the Oak Grove Cemetery in New Bedford. Robert Bromley, Chairman of the New Bedford Veteran’s Advisory Board, places a flag at Tasker’s grave every Memorial Day to honor his great sacrifice to our country.


“Lt Tasker and crew of the 359th Bomb Squadron, 303rd Bomb Group based in England, pose in front of a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress. 4 December 1944.” Rear L-R: 2Lt Richard F Tasker, F/O Clyde Meadows, 2Lt John Joseph McDonnell, 2Lt Angelito Francis Front L-R: Sgt Charles S Van Ornum Jr, Sgt Enrique M. Reider, Sgt Glenn A Minnix, Sgt Arthur H Driver, Sgt William D Toon.”-AmericanAirMuseum.com photo.

The 303 Bombardment Group was known as the “Hell’s Angels” with the motto “Might in Flight.” A total of 9,000 men served in the 303rd BG, which was an Eighth Air Force B-17 Bomber Group stationed at Molesworth, England from 1942 to 1945, according to 303rdbg.com. Their place in history and the legacy they left behind will live forever.

Linda Ferreira, of Empire Ford, researches the life histories of area residents. American flags are provided by Empire Ford. Flags are raised by the staff at Fort Taber – Fort Rodman Military Museum. Those who would like to honor a local veteran in the future can contact Ferreira at lferreira@empirefordinc.com.”




During Food Waste Prevention Week, New Bedford, Dartmouth residents can enter giveaway for prizes

“The Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District is proud to support Food Waste Prevention Week 2024, joining more than 600 partners across the country. Food Waste Prevention Week, April 1-7, 2024, is a week-long online campaign to raise awareness and inspire everyone to reduce food waste at home, at work and in our communities.

As part of this week, New Bedford and Dartmouth residents can enter to win a reusable sandwich and snack bag by Stasher. Four New Bedford residents and four Dartmouth residents will be randomly selected. To enter, complete this form https://forms.gle/nZwS3tEtjVqmE2hbA by April 7, 2024, at midnight.

Entrants must provide their name, city/town, email, and phone number so that we may contact the winners. Must be at least 18 years old to participate. When prizes are picked up, each winner will need to show proof of residency. Employees of the City of New Bedford Department of Facilities and Fleet Management, Town of Dartmouth Department of Public Works, and the Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District are NOT eligible to enter. The giveaway items are paid for by the Refuse District.

Also, find tips for preventing food waste on the Refuse District’s social media during Food Waste Prevention Week. Visit New Bedford Recycling or Dartmouth Recycling on Facebook, follow New Bedford Recycling on Instagram and Nextdoor or @NBRecycling on Twitter.

Up to thirty-five percent of all food produced goes uneaten. Ending food loss and waste requires purposeful action.

Why does reducing food waste matter?

• Saves money – The average family of four spends $1,500 per year on food that does not get eaten.
• Saves space in our local landfill – It’s estimated that food waste makes up 20% of the trash disposed of at the Crapo Hill landfill.
• Conserves resources – Land, water, energy, and human resources are used to grow, package and transport food.
• Improves food security – Safe and nutritious food that is currently thrown away could help feed hungry people. 

Tips for reducing food waste:

• Avoid buying too much food – take inventory, list what you need, stick to the list.
• Learn optimal ways to store foods, like keeping potatoes out of light and away from onions.
• Eat perishable foods like strawberries as soon as possible.
• Follow USDA guidelines for freezing and thawing foods.
• Follow USDA guidelines for refrigerating foods and safely enjoy leftovers!

“The Refuse District is committed to reducing food waste because it makes up approximately 20% of what is disposed in the Crapo Hill landfill and we know there are better options available,” said Anthony Novelli, Executive Director. “We encourage backyard composting by selling discounted compost bins, that are subsidized by the City of New Bedford and the Town of Dartmouth.

Composting helps keep eggshells, coffee grounds, and fruit and vegetable scraps out of the landfill. We share tips on social media and at presentations about how to reduce food waste. We encourage the donation of edible food to people, and the collection of food scraps for composting or anerobic digestion. We seek out new programs and grants to keep food out of the trash. Every little bit helps and everyone’s daily choices to prevent food waste can make a significant long-term impact.” 

The Refuse District joins various agencies and stakeholders throughout the country in a collaborative effort and shared commitment to reduce food loss and waste.

For more information on Food Waste Prevention Week please visit foodwastepreventionweek.com.

For questions about the giveaway, contact the Refuse District by phone at (508) 979-1493 or by email at Marissa@gnbrrmdistrict.org.”-Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District.
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“We are excited to be a partner for Food Waste Prevention Week, April 1 -7!🥳 Look for our posts next week with tips on how to waste less food. Food waste makes up around 20%🤯 of the trash disposed at the Crapo Hill landfill.

👉We will also be giving away a reusable sandwich and snack bag by Stasher to 4 New Bedford residents and 4 Dartmouth residents to help prolong the life of their food and make less trash. Look for more information on Monday (4/1).”-New Bedford Recycling.


Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District photo.




New Bedford man indicted and arrested in connection to former Hawthorne Country Club Fire

“Shawn Lee Medeiros, 31, of New Bedford was indicted by a Bristol County Grand Jury today on a charge of burning of a building connected to the vacant Hawthorne Country Club in Dartmouth on May 7, 2023.

On May 7, 2023, the Dartmouth Fire Department received numerous 911 calls regarding smoke emanating from the long vacant Hawthorne Country Club. When fire department officials arrived on scene, they discovered the clubhouse fully engulfed in flames. After several hours, the fire was extinguished, however, the building was a total loss.

The Hawthorne Country Club had no running water, electricity or other utilities which could have caused the fire. In addition, the degree of the fire was immediately suspicious. Members of the State Fire Marshall’s office were contacted and responded to the scene. Based on their examination, the State Fire Marshall’s Office determined that the fire was deliberately set inside of the building with multiple areas of origin meaning the fire was set in several different areas.

A state police K-9 was also brought to the scene and alerted to the presence of accelerants. An independent insurance investigation also found that the fire was deliberately set. Samples from the debris were sent to an independent laboratory for analysis and testing confirmed the presence of accelerants which were used to set the fire.

Massachusetts State Troopers assigned to the Fire Marshall’s Office began an investigation into the fire and began to question witnesses. One of those witnesses was Shawn Lee Medeiros who was present at the scene of the fire. Mr. Medeiros told investigators that he was working at the Hawthorne Country Club the morning of the fire transporting tables and chairs from the country club to building in New Bedford. Mr. Medeiros was questioned several times by law enforcement. In addition, state troopers secured surveillance video in the area.

On March 27, 2024, the Bristol County grand jury indicted Mr. Medeiros for starting the fire. A warrant issued for his arrest and he was arrested on March 28, 2024. At his arraignment, Mr. Medeiros was released on the condition that he stay away from the Hawthorne Country Club and that he report to the probation department at least one time per week.

The grand jury probe was headed up by Assistant District Attorney Jason Mohan.”-Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.




PSA: Emergency Management Drill to take place at New Bedford’s St. Luke’s Hospital

“There will be an emergency management drill at St. Luke’s Hospital. Please note that this is a planned drill and these exercises are designed to make sure our teams are trained and well prepared to care for our patients and community in a real emergency.

All emergency and clinical services will remain open and uninterrupted during these times. If you or a loved one is experiencing a medical emergency, do not hesitate to call 911.

St. Luke’s Hospital Trauma Drill
Friday, March 29
8 am – 10 am“-Southcoast Health.