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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“In honor of #WomensHistoryMonth, we thought we’d show off an early 2000s #throwback photo acknowledging some of the courageous women of the NBPD.

Happy #WHM, we celebrate the contributions and the sacrifices women have made not only in U.S. history, but every single day. Thank you to our officers, dispatchers, and civilian staff who have made the NBPD what it is today.

In no particular order: Former Officers Kelly Almeida, AnneMarie Lefever, Barbara Lipsett, Carol O’Shea, and Marge Clayton — May 29, 2000.”-City of New Bedford Police Department.

City of New Bedford Police Department photo.

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

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

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

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

In a landmark development for reproductive healthcare access in Massachusetts, leading pharmacy chains CVS and Walgreens have announced plans to begin dispensing the abortion pill, mifepristone, this March. This decision comes amidst ongoing legal debates and reflects a significant step in ensuring accessibility to abortion services following the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

Both CVS and Walgreens have received certification to offer mifepristone, a medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for terminating pregnancies up to 10 weeks. This certification allows them to dispense the drug in compliance with federal and state laws, signaling a new phase in the availability of reproductive healthcare services.

Walgreens has indicated that it will initiate the dispensing of mifepristone within a week at selected locations in New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, California, and Illinois. CVS, on the other hand, plans to start offering the pill in Massachusetts and Rhode Island in the coming weeks, with intentions to expand to additional states where legally permissible.

CVS spokesperson Amy Thibault emphasized the pharmacy’s commitment to filling prescriptions for mifepristone where it’s legally allowed, highlighting the effort to work with manufacturers and suppliers to secure the medication. The company anticipates a gradual rollout to more states, adhering to legal guidelines.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, has praised the move by CVS and Walgreens. The governor’s office released a statement commending the pharmacies for their initiative to expand access to mifepristone, underlining Massachusetts’ dedication to safeguarding reproductive care, including medication abortion.

The introduction of mifepristone at pharmacy chains comes at a critical juncture, with the Supreme Court set to hear arguments regarding the drug’s access this spring. The Biden Administration is hopeful for a ruling that will overturn previous appellate decisions potentially restricting access to the pill, including limitations on mail delivery. However, spokespeople from CVS and Walgreens have confirmed that their customers will not be able to receive the pill by mail.

This development is particularly significant as abortion pills have become the most common method for terminating pregnancies, especially in the wake of Roe v. Wade’s overturn. Mifepristone, used in combination with misoprostol, has been a key component of medication abortion for decades, though its accessibility has faced challenges from legal disputes.

As CVS and Walgreens gear up to offer mifepristone, their actions represent a pivotal moment in the ongoing fight for reproductive healthcare access, reflecting broader efforts to ensure that individuals can make informed decisions about their bodies and futures.

“Shortly before 9 p.m. on February 27, Trooper Victoria Thompson, assigned to State Police-Norwell, was dispatched to 911 reports of a white Mercedes sedan being operated erratically, speeding and tailgating other vehicles, on Route 3 northbound in Pembroke. Trooper Thompson set her cruiser in the area of Exit 32 and eventually observed the vehicle pass her location at a high rate of speed. Trooper Thompson entered traffic and stopped the Mercedes just prior to Exit 35 in Rockland.

Upon the vehicle coming to a full stop, Trooper Thompson approached it and identified the operator as TAJANAY VEIGA, 28, of Stoughton. While speaking to VEIGA, Trooper Thompson observed her to appear agitated and continuously reach to the floor in front of her. For officer safety reasons, VEIGA was removed from the vehicle, however, became non-compliant causing Trooper Thompson to place her in handcuffs and secure her in the rear of a cruiser. A search of the immediate area where VEIGA was seated revealed a bag containing multiple baggies of a substance suspected to be Heroin.

At this point VEIGA was placed under arrest and a tow truck was dispatched to relocate the Mercedes to the Norwell Barracks, where a full search was conducted. During this search Troopers located a loaded Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol, along with multiple baggies containing substances suspected to be Fentanyl, Heroin, Cocaine, Crack Cocaine, Marijuana, and various prescription pills. Troopers also located scales commonly used in the illegal packaging and distribution of narcotics.

VEIGA was transported to the Norwell Barracks for booking. A bail commissioner was contacted and set bail at $2,540 before scheduling VEIGA for arraignment at Hingham District Court for the following charges:

1. Trafficking in Fentanyl;
2. Trafficking in Cocaine;
3. Possession of a Class B Drug with intent to Distribute;
4. Possession of a Class C Drug with intent to Distribute;
5. Possession Marijuana, Greater than One Ounce;
6. Possession of a Firearm in Commission of a Felony;
7. Speeding.”-Massachusetts State Police.

“An 85-year-old Rehoboth man died during a crash with another vehicle Thursday afternoon on County Street in Seekonk.

The deceased has been identified as John Denardo.

The preliminary investigation indicates that Mr. Denardo’s Cadillac was traveling east on County Street near 985 County Street at around 4:10 pm today when it unexpectedly crossed over into the westbound lane and crashed into an oncoming Toyota Camry.

The Camry was being operated by a 43-year-old man. He, his wife and their daughter were all treated for minor injuries at an area hospital. No criminal charges have been filed.

It appears Mr. Denardo may have had a medical episode prior to the crash. The investigation into the fatal crash in ongoing.”

“The City of New Bedford has roadwork sites for the upcoming week of March 4, 2024 – March 8, 2024, and they are as follows:

Eversource will be working on gas main relays and services on:

• Main relay on Acushnet Ave from Phillips Rd to Fox St
• Main relay on Central Ave from Acushnet Ave to Ashley Blvd
• Main relay on Central Ave from Church St to Brook St
• Main relay on County St from Cove St to Rivet St
• Main relay on Hicks St from Acushnet Ave to N Front St
• Main relay on Jouvette St from County St to Crapo St
• Main relay on W Rodney French Blvd from Calumet St to Bayview St

Other:

• MassDOT will be staging installation and beam end cleaning and concrete encasements at I-195 East and West bound lanes over Purchase St, County St and State St work is scheduled during the overnight hours starting and is scheduled until May 31st of 2024. Work will take place Sundays to Thursdays. Police will be on site for detour and safety setups.
• Contractor (SCR Constructors) will continue site work at the future South Coast Rail station platform locations in the city. (Church St at Carlisle St and Wamsutta St at Acushnet Ave.) If you have questions, please email the project team at SouthCoastRail@dot.state.ma.us
• Contractor (SCR Constructors) will continue site work at the future pedestrian bridge across Route 18 impacting parking along Purchase Street between Willis Street and Pearl Street and at the Division of Career Services on Acushnet Avenue. Temporary detours may be in place pending construction activities occurring.  If you have questions, please email the project team at SouthCoastRail@dot.state.ma.us
• New Bedford: Rt. 18 Overnight Closures and Detours for Pedestrian Bridge Work. Construction continues for the new pedestrian bridge across Route 18 and Acushnet Avenue connecting to the New Bedford Station. Crews are currently ahead of schedule with the erecting of temporary support steel structures (falsework) over Route 18 and will begin construction of the temporary bridge deck next week. The falsework and deck will be used to support the placement and construction of the new permanent bridge steel. To accommodate the construction of the west side plaza of the bridge, there will be no street parking on the east side of Purchase Street between Pearl Street and Willis Street.
 
Project: Lead Service Line Replacement Program Phase II   General Contractor: C. Naughton Corp. (Monday-Friday 7:00am -5:00pm)
• The contractor will be working Lead Service Line Replacements. Monday the contractor will be on Plymouth Street, between Brigham Street and Brownell Street. Tuesday on Brigham Street, between Farm Street and Ryan Street. Wednesday on Priscilla Street, between Brigham Street and West Street., Elizabeth Street, between Brigham Street and West Street., Priscilla Street, between Gould Street and West Street. Thursday on Priscilla Street, between Gould Street and Brigham Street and Gould Street, between Hawthorn Street and Priscilla Street. Friday between Devoll Street, between Allen Street and Grape Street, Rural Street, between Allen Street and Grape Street. During working hours, these roads may be closed with signs posted to detour traffic around work areas. Police details will be on-site allowing access to residents only and assist with traffic management.

Project: Grape Street Collector Rehabilitation General Contractor: Green Mountain Pipeline Services Subcontractor: Ribeiro Construction Inc (Friday 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM)
• The Subcontractor is scheduled to replace a manhole at the SW side Buttonwood Park Pond and a manhole frame at Brownell Ave and Gaywood St. There may be a brief lane reduction along Brownell Ave while work is being completed.

Project: Phase 4 Transmission Main Reinforcement Project   Contractor: C. Naughton Corp. (Monday-Friday 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM)
• The Contractor will continue replacing a section of the existing 48-in water transmission main north of the railroad crossing at Chipaway Road in East Freetown.

Project: Shawmut Avenue and Howland Street Pumping Station Improvements Project General Contractor: WES Construction Corp. (Monday-Friday 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM)
• The Contractor will continue installing the new sewer force main along Nash Road and Shawmut Avenue and Mt Pleasant Street. Lane restrictions will be in place during working hours, with one lane of alternating traffic open. Police officers will be on-site to assist with traffic management.”

In a small homeless encampment near the on-ramp from Route 18 to 195 west, Carlos Felix conducted an interview with a homeless man to shed light on the situation. The encampment, located in an open area of grass near Coggeshall Street, has been present for some time, with residents coming and going.

The homeless man explained that he and others ended up in this situation due to rising rents in the area. He mentioned that despite working in security, he couldn’t afford an apartment or even a rooming house. He also expressed frustration with the lack of support from agencies and the challenges of staying warm during cold weather.

When asked why they chose this location, the man explained that being out in the open felt safer than hiding, where they could be taken advantage of. He mentioned receiving some care packages from organizations, but these were only temporary solutions.

The man highlighted the difficulties of accessing shelters, where couples are required to separate, making it challenging for long-term partners or friends to stay together. He criticized the system for not effectively utilizing funds to help the homeless and called for more support and affordable housing solutions.

The interview revealed the harsh realities faced by the homeless in New Bedford, highlighting the need for more comprehensive and compassionate solutions to address homelessness in the area.

“A 53-year-old man who raped or sexually molested five children under the age of 16 in New Bedford and Fairhaven was sentenced this week to serve 15 to 20 years in state prison, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced.

Andres Escribano Sanchez pleaded guilty in Fall River Superior Court to indictments charging him with two counts of rape of a child-use of force, two counts of rape of a child-aggravated by age difference, seven counts of indecent assault and battery on a person under the age of 14, three counts of attempted indecent assault and battery on a person under the age of 14, one count of indecent assault and battery on a person over the age of 14 and one count of assault with intent to rape.

During a sentencing hearing before Judge Raffi Yessayan, Assistant District Attorney Casey Smith argued that due to the egregious and continuous nature of the sexual assaults on children he was supposed to be helping to care for, the defendant should serve 25 to 30 years in prison and an additional five years of probation. The defendant, however, requested a 10 year prison term.

Judge Yessayan eventually sentenced the defendant to serve 15 to 20 years in state prison, to be followed by 10 years of probation.

There are five juvenile victims in this case, all of whom considered themselves related to the defendant in some way, by virtue of his relationship with the matriarch of the family. The defendant was the boyfriend of the grandmother to four of the victims and mother to the eldest victim, who was just 16 at the time of disclosure. They all lived together with the defendant in a three family home in New Bedford. The sexual assaults occurred between April of 2017 and April of 2020.

At the time of his arrest, the defendant was residing in Puerto Rico.

“The defendant raped and molested five young girls because he had access to them. The repeated rapes and sexual assaults of multiple young victims clearly demonstrates that the defendant is a predator and has a demented mind . He needs to be kept off the street and away from young children for the rest of his life,” District Attorney Quinn said.

“DARTMOUTH, MA – On Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at approximately 4:25 p.m., Dartmouth Police Detective Matthew CORREIA observed Joshua BISHOP, 29, of Fern Street, New Bedford operating a 2021 Jeep Compass on State Road.

Having prior knowledge that BISHOP was wanted by the Massachusetts Parole Board, Detective CORREIA attempted to stop the Jeep, at which time BISHOP accelerated and fled from Detective CORREIA.

As numerous officers had already converged on the area based on Detective CORREIA’s radio transmission, BISHOP was eventually stopped in the Stop and Shop parking lot on Faunce Corner Road and placed under arrest.

Dartmouth Police Department photo.

In addition to an outstanding warrant for larceny, BISHOP was charged with speeding, reckless operation, and failure to stop for police.

Upon the completion of booking at Dartmouth Police Headquarters, custody of BISHOP was transferred to members of the Massachusetts Parole Board.

According to Dartmouth Chief of Police, Brian P. LEVESQUE, “This department’s dedication to ensuring the safety of the public is not only exemplary, but also heroic at times. In addition to their numerous routine responsibilities, my officers are more frequently placing themselves in harm’s way as dangerous and callous individuals, such as BISHOP, are making their way to Dartmouth.”-Dartmouth Police Department.