“Leadership of Civil Rights and Human Trafficking Unit also announced.

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins announced the rollout of:

• 1-83-END-H8-NOW
• (1-833-634-8669)

The “End Hate Now” hotline is dedicated for reporting hate-based incidents or potential criminal activity. Massachusetts residents and visitors are encouraged to call the hotline to report concerning or troubling incidents of hate, potential hate crimes, or concerns regarding individuals believed to be espousing the hate-filled views or actions we learn of far too often in the wake of mass shootings and/or acts of hate-based violent extremism. Callers are encouraged to leave their contact information but may remain anonymous. At this time, the hotline is available in English, Spanish, Cantonese and French.

Hate crimes are illegal acts committed based on a victim’s perceived or actual race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability. Beliefs are not hate crimes. Distasteful ideologies, advocacy of political or social positions, use of discriminatory rhetoric, or the general philosophic embrace of biased or hate-filled beliefs are not crimes. Under federal law, investigations may not be based solely on an individual’s beliefs or their protected First Amendment activity.

“With the uptick in horrific mass-shootings and unimaginable acts of racially motivated violent extremism we have seen across our country, people are scared. In Massachusetts, we have recently seen multiple incidents of groups espousing deeply offensive and hurtful ideologies displayed on our streets. A recent act of hateful vandalism at the future PRYDE senior housing facility in Hyde Park threatened burning and death against the LGBTQ+ community. Enough is enough. My office is offering our residents and visitors a new outlet for bringing these critical and concerning issues seeped in bigotry and hatred to the attention of law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Rollins. “I am asking people – when you see hate, call this number and let us know. If you have serious concerns about a loved one, a friend, or even an acquaintance, call this number and let us know. We have dedicated resources to these important issues and stand ready to act when necessary. This too is a vitally important form of community policing.”

As part of this effort, U.S. Attorney Rollins also formally announced the leadership of her newly created Civil Rights and Human Trafficking Unit in her Criminal Division, which will focus on prosecuting cases involving civil rights violations, including hate crimes, human trafficking, and police use of excessive force. U.S. Attorney Rollins announced the establishment of this dedicated Unit at her Investiture in April 2022. It is now fully staffed and operational. The Unit will be led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Riley in the role of Unit Chief. Ms. Riley recently served as the Chief of Human Trafficking and Exploitation Unit for the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, where she prosecuted and supervised cases involving human trafficking and online exploitation of youth and adults. During her more than 10 years as an Assistant District Attorney for Suffolk County, Ms. Riley prosecuted over 300 cases and secured successful convictions in over 50 jury trials. In 2015, she was awarded as the Suffolk County Outstanding Prosecutor of the Year. She is a graduate of the College of the Holy Cross and Suffolk University Law School. Ms. Riley will supervise a Unit of three federal prosecutors and exceptional support staff and will work closely with the Office’s existing five-member Civil Rights Unit in the Civil Division, led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Serafyn.

“Protecting Massachusetts residents from violence and hate is the top priority of my administration,” stated U.S. Attorney Rollins. “In Massachusetts, we have a long history of standing up to hate and intolerance. Today, we continue that honored tradition. By establishing this 1-83-END-H8-NOW hotline and a Civil Rights and Human Trafficking Unit, my office is fully equipped and dedicated to fighting hate-fueled criminal activity across our Commonwealth.”” -Massachusetts Department of Justice.

“Defendant has two prior state convictions for child pornography offenses.

An Arlington man was sentenced on July 28, 2022 in federal court in Boston for possession of child pornography.

Mason Lister, 27, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to 10 years in prison and five years of supervised release. On Dec. 16, 2021, Lister pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography.

“My office has a responsibility to ensure the safety of our communities, especially that of our most vulnerable – children. Mr. Lister is a recidivist offender, a three-time convicted felon, who will now thankfully remain out of our communities and away from our children for the next decade,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “With the full support of our state, local and tribal law enforcement partners, we remain committed to protecting our children and prosecuting those who seek to exploit them.”

“Lister is a repeat offender, having already been convicted twice for child pornography related offenses. This ten year sentence will deny Lister the opportunity to further victimize innocent children through his online conduct and demonstrates our resolve to hold repeat offenders responsible to the full extent of the law,” said Matthew Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New England.

This case arose from a notice to law enforcement that a social media account belonging to Lister had been used to distribute child pornography. On July 23, 2020, a search of Lister’s residence resulted in the seizure of a tablet device containing at least 85 files of child pornography. The mix of files were both images and videos and depicted victims as young as toddler age. Lister was subsequently arrested on Aug. 14, 2020, and has remained in federal custody since. Lister has two previous state convictions for child pornography offenses.

U.S. Attorney Rollins and HSI SAC Millhollin made the announcement today. Assistance in the investigation was provided by the Arlington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.” -Massachusetts Department of Justice.

“Hi guys – I don’t normally post things like this but I could really use the help! Please feel free to share.

My red Honda HR-V (my pride and joy) was backed into while parked on Clay Street in #NewBedford on Sunday, July 31st, between 1:20-1:30pm. A police report was filed with the New Bedford Police Department. If someone recognizes the car or this individual, please contact the NBPD or my email CM.F9@outlook.com.

I really appreciate any help with this!! It’s going to cost me a PRETTY penny and it really sucks. The car in question appears to be an older (possibly 2012) Chevy Equinox.”

Facebook photo.

Facebook photo.

Facebook photo.

The City’s Board of Election Commissioners has announced new and changed polling locations ahead of the primary election Sept. 6.

The new locations for voters are the result of redistricting following the 2020 U.S. Census and changes to state legislation last fall. The changes and additions to local polling locations will be effective for all elections, starting with the Sept. 6 primary.

Changes are as follows:

Newly created sub-precinct WARD 1 PRECINCT A-1 will vote at Normandin Middle School, 81 Felton St., via the Orleans Street entrance.

WARD 1 PRECINCT B and newly created sub-precinct WARD 1 PRECINCT B-1 will now vote at CareOne New Bedford Nursing Facility, 221 Fitzgerald Drive

Newly created sub-precinct WARD 1 PRECINCT C-1 will vote at Campbell Elementary School, 145 Essex St., at Phillips Road & Morton Avenue

Newly created sub-precinct WARD 3 PRECINCT F-1 will vote at Bayberry Apartments, 151 Oakdale St.

Newly created sub-precinct WARD 4 PRECINCT A-1 will vote at Boa Vista, 134 South Second St.
WARD 5 PRECINCT A and WARD 5 PRECINCT B will now vote at the Kennedy Donovan Center at 385 County St., due to continuing construction at the Kennedy Youth Center (CYO).

Any New Bedford resident who is uncertain about their voting status or designated polling location; has changed their address since the last election; or has questions about mail-in, absentee, or early voting can call the Board of Election Commissioners at (508) 979-1420.

Early Voting (information previously released)
Early voting for the state primary will take place from Saturday, Aug. 27, through Friday, Sept. 2. In-person early voting will be available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day on the third floor of the Main Public Library, at 613 Pleasant St. downtown.

State Primary Election Early Voting in Person
August 27 – September 2, 2022
Main Public Library – 613 Pleasant St., 3rd Floor

Saturday
Aug. 27
8 AM – 4 PM

Sunday
Aug. 28
8 AM – 4 PM

Monday
Aug. 29
8 AM – 4 PM

Tuesday
Aug. 30
8 AM – 4 PM

Wednesday
Aug. 31
8 AM – 4 PM

Thursday
Sept. 1
8 AM – 4 PM

Friday
Sept. 2
8 AM – 4 PM

Polls citywide will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Primary Election Day, Sept. 6.

Voters can cast votes in primary races for Governor; Lieutenant Governor; Attorney General; Secretary of State; Treasurer; Auditor; 9th District Representative in Congress; 1st District Governor’s Councillor; 2nd Bristol & Plymouth District Senator in General Court; 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th & 13th District Representative in General Court; District Attorney Bristol County; Sheriff Bristol County; Bristol County Commissioner; and Bristol County Register of Deeds.

The voter registration and change of address deadline is 5 p.m. Saturday, August 27, in the City’s Election Commission Office, Room 114, City Hall, 133 William St. If you have a Massachusetts driver’s license or state ID card, you can register to vote, update your address, and check your registration information online at: www.sec.state.ma.us/ovr/

Rep. Bill Straus (D-Mattapoisett) announced that the House of Representatives voted to approve the conference report for a $11.4 billion transportation and infrastructure bond bill. Rep. Straus, who serves as House chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation, led the conference committee tasked with reconciling language differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill. The legislation is intended to authorize state expenditure of federal transportation dollars received under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed by President Biden last November. It also authorizes additional state borrowing in support of municipal road improvement programs, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and $400 million for safety improvement projects at the MBTA.

Several amendments sponsored by Rep. Straus during initial debate were adopted and included in the conference report, including an amendment authorizing the borrowing of $100 million for the permitting and construction of the New Bedford-Fairhaven bridge and the reauthorization of a $25 million earmark for the New Bedford Regional Airport that had previously been included in a 2014 borrowing bill. Rep. Straus also secured $900,000 in debt authorization for emergency extraction equipment for local public safety departments that will serve South Coast Rail; another $125,000 is included in the legislation for restoring into use the freight rail spur on New Bedford State Pier.

The bill also includes $1,000,000 for road improvements along Bridge Street in Fairhaven; $2,000,000 for improvements to culverts on Mary’s Pond Road in Rochester; and $25,000 for a traffic survey for Acushnet.

Additionally, the legislation provides much needed resources for decarbonizing the commonwealth’s transportation sector, currently the state’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. $175 million is dedicated to building out electric vehicle charging infrastructure; among those funds, $50 million is dedicated to the MassEVIP Direct Current Fast Charging program with half of that amount dedicated to the commonwealth’s Regional Transit Authorities to support the transition to electric public transit. $50 million is dedicated to creating incentive programs to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles of all types, including school buses, freight trucks, and electric bicycles. A substantial amount of funding is provided for the electrification of the Commuter Rail system, with language requiring the MBTA to create and implement plans for the full electrification of each branch of the commuter rail.

“With the acceptance of the conference report, the House, once again, affirmed its dedication to meeting the transportation and infrastructure needs of our local cities and towns,” said Rep. Straus. “This generational opportunity provides needed investments toward a more unified and resilient transportation system.”

The bill now moves on to the Governor for his consideration.

During the month of August, the 36th Lights for Peace flag to fly at the Fort Taber – Fort Rodman Military Museum honors the memory of Dr. Herbert R. Waters, a Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps who passed away last year on August 4, 2021 at the age of 90.

Waters was born on October 8, 1930, the son of the late Herbert R. Waters, Sr. and Jane C. (Joseph) Waters. He grew up in the North End of New Bedford, on Hillman St. and attended New Bedford High School where he excelled in the ROTC program. Upon graduating high school in 1948, he attended Providence College where he ran track and cross country. After graduating from Providence College with a bachelor’s degree in 1953, he earned a commission in the United States Marine Corps.

According to his obituary, LT Waters, also known as “Bert,” became only the 10th black officer in the history of the U.S. Marine Corps. He served in the Korean War for 14 months and remained in the Marine Reserves, earning promotions ahead of his peers, eventually attaining the rank of Colonel. His primary duty station was at the Naval Air Station in South Weymouth, MA, where he became the first African American Commanding Officer of the Mass 6 Marine Air Support Squadron.

While serving in the Marine Corps Reserves, Waters continued his education, earning a Master’s degree from Bridgewater State College and a Doctorate from Nova University. He began working for the New Bedford Public School system and became a leading figure in education for the next 32 years, with the majority of his time as Principal of Sgt. William H. Carney Academy.

It was here that Dr. Waters made an indelible mark on his community and helped to shape education, not only in New Bedford but for the entire state. According to his obituary, “Through strong leadership, personal accountability and by introducing pioneering multicultural curriculum and celebrating diversity, Sgt. William H. Carney Academy quickly became the jewel of the entire school district. Presidential candidate and civil rights icon, Jesse Jackson, Governor Michael Dukakis and many other dignitaries routinely visited Carney while educators statewide began modeling Dr. Water’s innovative approach to academic leadership.”

A Standard-Times article written last year, after Water’s death, included quotes from many people who knew Dr. Waters and recalled the impact he made on the staff and students at Carney. NBPS Deputy Superintendent, Karen Treadup, wrote, “The man was great. Carney Academy benefited so much from his leadership, which was anchored in self-discipline, and which he imparted by example to his students. As principal, he engaged students with a sense of deep caring and firsthand knowledge of the challenges many of them faced.”
Mayor Jon Mitchel wrote in a statement, “As distinguished as his military career was, he is perhaps best known as the long-time principal of Carney Academy, where he developed a national reputation in urban education for setting high standards for personal accountability and academic performance.”

Once Waters retired as Principal of Carney Academy, he went on to open Carney Daycare, providing a safe learning environment for children in kindergarten through grade six.

Waters was extremely proud of his Wampanoag heritage and was a member of the Massachusetts Center for Native American Awareness. He was known as “Black Eagle” and was a highly respected elder within the Native American community. He often traveled as a representative of the Wampanoag Nation to powwows across the country including the “Gathering of Nations” in New Mexico, the “Crow Fair” in Montana, the “Seminole Powwow” in Florida, the “Schemitzun” in Connecticut and his beloved Mashpee Wampanoag Powwow in Massachusetts.

He was also an avid runner and pilot. Waters competed in biathlons, half-marathons, countless road races and completed 27 marathons. He also enjoyed flying his personal aircraft “Bulldog,” logging several hundred hours, often taking friends and family up in his Piper Cherokee 140.

Dr. Waters was also actively involved in the Cape Verdean community. Former New Bedford Mayor Scott Lang stated, “this fueled the whole idea of driving youth to reach the highest level of success, proving Waters to be a role model in all aspects of the community.”

Waters retired from the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves in 1984, earning the National Defense Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal and the Korean Service Medal.

“Dad was a genuine patriot who loved this country, the city of New Bedford, and his friends and family,” as family members remembered him. Mayor Jon Mitchell wrote in a statement, “Accomplished aviator, promotor of Wampanoag culture, and marathon runner were among the many roles he somehow fit into his extraordinary active life. His commitment to excellence in everything he undertook and his unwavering devotion to the Nation and the City, will continue to inspire those who had the good fortune of knowing him.”

Linda Ferreira, of Empire Ford of New Bedford, researches the life histories of area residents. American flags are provided by Empire Ford of New Bedford. 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@buyempireautogroup.com.

“On Sunday July 31, 2022 at 1:00am, Officer Delmonte and Officer Alves conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle traveling west on North Ave.

Following a roadside investigation, the operator of the vehicle was arrested for operating under the influence of alcohol.

During an inventory of the vehicle, a loaded .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun was located between the drivers seat and the center console. The operator, Timothy PENNEY of Middleborough, was transported to the Rochester Police Department for booking. He was arraigned Monday 8/1/22 at Wareham District Court on the following charges:

• OUI-Liquor
• Possession of a Large Capacity Feeding Device
• Carry a Firearm While Intoxicated
• Improper Storage of a Firearm
• Carry Dangerous Weapon (x2)
• Open Container of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle
• Motor Vehicle No Inspection.” -Rochester Police Department.

“Great news!

The Transportation Bond Bill Conference Committee which I chaired on behalf of the House of Representatives in my role as Chair of the Transportation Committee, completed our work on Saturday.

On Sunday, both the House and Senate adopted the overall bill which includes my original amendment for special safety extraction equipment necessary to be ready for the start of South Coast Rail service in 2023. The final authorization of $900,000 will allow for the purchase of new specialized safety equipment which would be deployed strategically with the fire departments in New Bedford, Fall River, Taunton and Lakeville.

As is often the case, this great idea started with a meeting request to me from New Bedford Fire Chief Kruger along with members of New Bedford Firefighters Local #841 and the PFFM Legislative Team represented by Billy Cabral. As a group, we reached out to my Bristol County colleagues in the Legislature and the regional fire chiefs in Bristol and Plymouth Counties. The public always benefits from this kind of cooperation and experience.

While every legislator from our region pitched in, key help was provided by Senator Montigny, and my House colleagues Rep. Chris Markey, Rep. Paul Schmid and Rep Chris Hendricks.

The legislation is now on Governor Baker’s desk and I urge him to support this critical part of the bill during his review and expected approval.” -Rep Bill Straus.

Shortly after 6:00PM Freetown Firefighters were dispatched to 42 water street for a reported house fire.

First arriving companies and Car 1 reported a working fire. The house was vacant and has been boarded up for several years. Crews remained on scene until 11 PM.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by local officials along with the State Fire Marshal’s office.

Thanks to our mutual aid partners:

• Berkley fire
• Lakeville Fire
• Dartmouth Dist 3
• Rochester Fire
• Providence Canteen.” -Freetown Fire Department.

All photos by the Freetown Fire Department:

“I am looking for public help. On July 1, 2022, between Rockdale Ave and Bolton St. at 2:56 pm, I was driving with my son to get some karate shoes for him. He has an atypical syndrome that produces several symptoms including autism, OCD, a very low immune system (for which he had a fever that week), anxiety, among others.

A man who was driving a black Honda in front of me stepped on the brakes and this caused me to brake very close to his car, but there was no car-to-car contact. The passenger, a pregnant woman, got out of the car screaming and took a picture of my license plate.

From inside my car I told her that I had not touched her car. I did not get out of my car at any moment because I will never leave my son alone in the car and her car did not have any marks on it. A few days later I receive a citation letter from the court. I have never had a case in my life, nor a ticket

This girl’s report said that I left the scene knowing there was an accident. It says that she was driving the vehicle and her husband was a passenger which wasn’t true. The report also states that I got out of my vehicle and talked to them and that I knew that their car had marks.

Yesterday, I went to court to explain the situation without lawyers because I don’t have anything to hide. The prosecutor decides that he should file charges against me because I did not call 911 to report that a crash happened. The man was driving before the incident and changed places with his female passenger. They calculated everything they were going to say and then called and lied to the police.

I am asking for help! If there is any witness, cameras in the area, or someone who has recorded the incident, please help me!

I am a low-income, responsible, single mother of a special needs child. I do not drink, I do not smoke, I have never had a ticket on my record, and I have never harmed anyone.

Please, if anyone has any information or cameras installed in this area that can support what I say, it would help me a lot.

The police say that there are no cameras in this area. This situation it’s killing me psychologically. If you have any information please email hercubsil@gmail.com.”