Defendant responsible for $2.3 million in victim losses; funds used for private jet and yacht charters, luxury cars and hotels, and designer puppies.

“BOSTON – A Chicago-area man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Springfield, Mass. to his role in a nationwide wire fraud conspiracy that victimized businesses and individuals across the United States.

Antonio M. Strong, 31, of Lansing, Ill., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and four counts of wire fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Sept. 19, 2024.

Strong was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2020 along with five co-defendants, including rap artist Herbert Wright, Joseph Williams and Demario Sorrells

According to court documents, between at least March 2016 and September 2020, Strong conspired with Wright, Sorrells, Williams and others to defraud numerous businesses and individuals by obtaining, possessing, using and transferring unauthorized and stolen payment card account information to obtain valuable goods and services, including: private jet and yacht charters; luxury car rentals; luxury hotel and vacation rental accommodations; private chef and security guard services; designer puppies; limousine and chauffer services; and commercial airline flights, among other things. During this time, Strong presented himself as a music promoter based in the Chicago area.

The stolen payment card account information included the actual cardholders’ names, addresses, payment card account numbers, security codes and account expiration dates. Because Strong and his alleged co-conspirators provided authentic payment card information, the defrauded businesses and individuals successfully processed their transactions and provided the goods and services. The actual cardholders discovered these transactions on their accounts and disputed the charges, which were reversed by the payment card companies. As a result, the transactions were charged back to the businesses and individuals from whom Strong and his co-conspirators defrauded with the unauthorized transactions.

To conceal his identity and perpetrate the fraud, Strong used various fictitious names and aliases; provided fake driver’s licenses in the names of both fictitious and real people; used email accounts in the names of fictitious and real businesses; and falsely stated that he was from “Universal Music,” “Sony Music,” “Epic Music,” and other real and fictitious companies. Strong caused a total loss of $2,299,842, which he has agreed to repay.

In January 2024, Wright was sentenced to three years’ probation and was ordered to pay restitution and forfeiture of $139,968, as well as a $5,500 fine after previously pleading guilty. Williams and Sorrells have also pleaded guilty to their roles in the conspiracy and are scheduled to be sentenced on June 28, 2024 and Aug. 29, 2024, respectively. The remaining two defendants are pending trial.

The charges of wire fraud conspiracy and wire fraud provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to 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 statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; and Andrew Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Secret Service, Boston Field Office made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven H. Breslow of the Springfield Branch Office and Trial Attorneys Andrew Tyler and Kyle Crawford of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.

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

New Bedford, MA – An intoxicated bar patron has been arrested for possession of numerous weapons after leading police on a car chase.

During the early morning hours this past Saturday, patrol units were called to 1621 Acushnet Ave. (“The Morna Lounge”) in response to a male who had threatened security staff with a firearm. As officers arrived on the scene, the suspect fled in his vehicle, leading them on a pursuit during which he drove erratically and even blew out one of his tires. The suspect made his way via 195 West into Dartmouth before finally stopping and surrendering on Faunce Corner Rd.

City of New Bedford Police Department photo.

The man was identified as Mr. GERALD AMBROSE, 20, of 305 Earle St. AMBROSE was taken into custody by Ofc.’s Keith Almeida and Mason Almeida and found to be intoxicated. During a search of the vehicle, Ofc. Mason Almeida discovered a 9 mm handgun on the driver’s side floor. The gun was loaded with an extended magazine capable of holding 20 rounds. In the trunk of the vehicle, officers discovered an AR-15 rifle with 3 high-capacity magazines capable of holding 30, 40, and 50 rounds, respectively.

AMBROSE was placed under arrest and later determined to have been operating with a .14 blood/alcohol level. An additional shotgun and rifle were reported to be at a girlfriend’s house in Dartmouth. Dartmouth police were contacted and assisted in retrieving these weapons.

AMBROSE was charged with a variety of serious offenses, including assault with a dangerous weapon, failure to stop for police, OUI liquor, carrying a firearm without a license, possession of high-capacity feeding devices, and possession of a firearm with serial numbers defaced, among other charges.

“This is a great case that illustrates the unknown dangers officers face in responding to calls for service,” said Chief Paul Oliveira. “This was a volatile situation that could have ended in tragedy; I’m grateful that it was resolved safely, and I’m very appreciative of the work that’s being done by our officers out on the streets each day.”

If you have any information you would like to share with the police, you can do so anonymously by visiting our website and submitting a tip or by calling 508-99-CRIME.”-City of New Bedford Police Department.

“🇺🇸 𝐌𝐄𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐄 🇺🇸

The City’s Annual Memorial Day Parade will be held on Monday, May 27, 2024.

The parade will form at Hathway Boulevard and Parker Street at 10:30 a.m. and will step off sharply at 11:00 a.m. The route will be easterly on Parker Street to County Street, north on County Street, east on Pope Street, and into Clasky Common Park. There will be a Memorial Day service held at the reviewing stand at the conclusion of the parade and we encourage all participants to stay and take part in the service. This year’s service will include a reading of the Gettysburg Address, Logan’s Orders, and a roll call of New Bedford’s Veterans who have passed away.

Parking is banned along the entire parade route and the 𝐛𝐚𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐞𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐝. The public is once again being asked to cooperate to make this a successful parade celebration.

For information about events during Memorial Day weekend, make sure to follow the City of New Bedford’s page to stay up to date! Thank you 💙🖤”-City of New Bedford Police Department.

“A 35-year old man from Massachusetts was attacked by a grizzly bear on Sunday, May 19th in the Signal Mountain area of Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. The scene is still being investigated as of Monday the 20th.

Crews used a helicopter to bring the injured man to an ambulance after the bear attack. The man was then brought to St. John’s Hospital in Jackson, Wyoming, roughly 40 miles south of the entrance to Signal Mountain Summit Road. He is currently in stable condition and expected to survive.

Currently in their investigation, Grand Teton Park Rangers and wildlife biologists believe this was a surprise attack that involved two grizzly bears, while only one made contact with the man resulting in his injuries. While the investigation is still ongoing, Summit Road remains closed to the public.

The Park Service reminded visitors in their press release about the following safety measures when exploring an area with bears:

1️⃣Be alert and aware of your surroundings.
2️⃣Make noise, especially in areas with limited visibility or when sound is muffled (e.g., near streams or when it is windy).
3️⃣Carry bear spray, know how to use it, and keep it readily accessible.
4️⃣Hike in groups of three or more people.
5️⃣Do not run. Back away slowly if you encounter a bear.”-Park People.

“NEW BEDFORD – Several events are planned throughout the City this Memorial Day weekend to honor the courageous men and women who lost their lives serving the United States.

This weekend’s events include:

Saturday, May 25
• 9 a.m. at Rural Cemetery, 149 Dartmouth St.

The Greater New Bedford Civil War Roundtable will conduct its annual Remembrance Service in the Civil War section of the cemetery. The service will include a wreath-laying, presentations of Logan’s Order and the Gettysburg Address, musical selections, and keynote remarks from Mayor Jon Mitchell.

Sunday, May 26
• 10 a.m. at Pine Grove Cemetery, 1100 Ashley Blvd.
New Bedford American Legion Post One will conduct a Memorial Day exercise at the Veterans’ plot.

• 12 p.m. at City Hall, 133 William St.
New Bedford American Legion Post One will conduct a Memorial Day exercise at the Vietnam Veterans’ Honor Roll on the William Street side of the building.

Monday, May 27 (Memorial Day)
• 8:15 a.m. at Rural Cemetery, 149 Dartmouth St.
New Bedford American Legion Post One will conduct a Memorial Day exercise at the Veterans’ plot.

• 10 a.m. at Pier 3, 51 MacArthur Dr.
The New Bedford Port Society’s annual Fishermen’s Memorial Day Service will follow a procession from Seaman’s Bethel. In the event of rain, the event will be held inside Seaman’s Bethel.

New Bedford Memorial Day Parade
This year’s parade is presented by the City of New Bedford, the Veterans’ Services Department, the City Council, and the Veterans’ Advisory Board.

The parade will form at the intersection of Hathaway Boulevard and Parker Street beginning around 10:30 a.m. before stepping off at 11:30 a.m.

The parade will march east on Parker Street to County Street, where it will turn left and head north on County Street. The parade will then turn right to head east on Pope Street, where it will make its final turn into Clasky Common Park.

There will be a Memorial Day service at the reviewing stand at the conclusion of the parade. All participants are encouraged to stay and take part in the service, which includes the reading of the Gettysburg Address, Logan’s Orders, and roll call of New Bedford veterans who have passed away. Family and friends of veterans who have passed away are invited to bring a flower to the service and place it at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in remembrance.”-City of New Bedford.

“Earlier Monday Dartmouth High School hosted the 18th Annual Special Olympics School Day Games.

Roughly 500 Special Olympians from nine communities were in attendance. Continuing their own tradition, members of the State Police Troop D Community Action Team were present, assisted by the newest members of the MSP Cadet Program, to present awards to the many participants as well as officers from Dartmouth, Westport, New Bedford, and Fairhaven Police Departments.”-Massachusetts State Police.

Massachusetts State Police photo.

Massachusetts State Police photo.

Massachusetts State Police photo.

Massachusetts State Police photo.

“Late on Monday afternoon, Town Clerk Kristin Stinson, conducted the swearing in and promotions of the following appointments:

• Fire Lieutenant/Paramedic Robbie Greene to Fire Captain/Paramedic
• Firefighter/Paramedic Mike Teixeira to Fire Lieutenant/Paramedic
• Call Firefighter/Paramedic Brody Pelletier to Career Firefighter/Paramedic

We wish them all the best!”-Westport Fire Department.

Firefighter/Paramedic Matt Farias photo.

Firefighter/Paramedic Matt Farias photo.

Firefighter/Paramedic Matt Farias photo.

Firefighter/Paramedic Matt Farias photo.

Firefighter/Paramedic Matt Farias photo.

“A duck walked up to a lemonade stand and he said to the man running the stand, “Hey! (Bum bum bum) Got any life jackets?” 🦆

U.S. Coast Guard Sector Boston, kicked off National Safe Boating Week at the Make Way for Ducklings sculpture at Boston Commons.

Base Boston, Massachusetts State Police, Boston Police Department (Official),and Massachusetts Environmental Police put life jackets on these little as part of the Safe Boating Campaign, a global awareness effort that encourages boaters to make the most of their boating adventure by being responsible.

We kindly remind everyone to stay safe on the water as the weather heats up. Remember to hydrate, boat sober and wear a life jacket!”-U.S. Coast Guard Northeast.

All photos by the U.S. Coast Guard Northeast:

Defendant offered to forgive rent in exchange for engaging in sex acts or sending sexually explicit photographs

“BOSTON – The owner and operator of Steps to Solutions, Inc., a group of residential sober homes, has been found liable by a federal jury in Boston for sexual harassment of tenants.

Peter McCarthy, 51, of Lynn was found liable on May 17, 2024 for sexual harassment and retaliation in violation of the Fair Housing Act. Following a five-day trial, a federal jury awarded $3.8 million in damages to seven identified victims who rented from McCarthy. In August 2021, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division filed a lawsuit alleging that McCarthy subjected tenants to sexual harassment in violation of the Fair Housing Act.

The jury award includes compensatory damages for the emotional harms the victims suffered as a result of McCarthy’s conduct as well as punitive damages to punish the defendant. The Justice Department also intends to seek a civil penalty against McCarthy to vindicate the public interest and a court order for injunctive relief to prevent McCarthy from, among other things, managing Steps to Solutions sober homes or having contact with residents or prospective tenants.

“This defendant preyed on vulnerable women in recovery from addiction and forced them to choose between his sexual demands and keeping a roof over their heads. Housing is a fundamental need and every person has the right to feel safe and secure in their own home. No one should be subjected to unwanted demands for sex acts from their landlord,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “This case should send a powerful message to all landlords that there are severe consequences to sexually exploiting tenants.”

“Sexual harassment of tenants is abhorrent, and the department stands committed to holding housing providers accountable,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We commend the survivors who came forward to testify about the heinous conduct that they experienced. This verdict sends a message that there is no place in our society for landlords who abuse their position of power to prey on vulnerable people.”

Since at least 2009 through 2021, McCarthy — the registered agent and sole officer of Steps to Solutions, Inc. — sexually harassed residents of his sober homes by offering to reduce or forgive rent, granting extra house privileges, or waiving security deposits in exchange for engaging in sex acts or sexually explicit photographs; and making unwanted sexual comments.

The Justice Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative is led by the Civil Rights Division, in coordination with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country. The goal of the initiative is to address and raise awareness about sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, loan officers or other people who have control over housing. Since launching the initiative in October 2017, the department has filed 40 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing and recovered over $16.4 million for victims of such harassment.

Individuals who have information about this case can contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office by calling 617-748-3274, by e-mailing USAMA.victimassistance@usdoj.gov or by visiting the case webpage.

Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and AAG Clarke made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gregory Dorchak, Michelle Leung and Eve Piemonte of the Civil Division handled the matter along with the Housing Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.

The Civil Rights Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office was established in 2016 with the mission of enhancing federal civil rights enforcement. For more information on the Office’s civil rights efforts, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-ma/civil-rights.”-Massachusetts Department of Justice.

“There’s been a lot of roadwork around the City lately as the warmer weather settles in.

Recently, teams have been repainting crosswalks on Nina Street, installing new drainage utilities on Elm Street, and setting granite curb on West Rodney French Boulevard.

That’s just a sampling of road repairs and upgrades around the City.

We update the list on our website every week so residents and visitors can see where and when work is happening.”-City of New Bedford.

City of New Bedford photo.

City of New Bedford photo.

City of New Bedford photo.

City of New Bedford photo.

City of New Bedford photo.