Patrol officers have placed a repeat offender under arrest for a car break following a shoplifting investigation.

Shortly after midnight on February 6th, south-end patrol units were assisting Dartmouth police. Dartmouth officers were investigating a shoplifting incident at the Cumberland Farms on Rockdale Ave. and seeking assistance with locating their suspect.

New Bedford officers fanned out into the adjoining neighborhood. While canvassing the area, Officers Juniel Jordan and Cameron Patota were able to locate the suspect, as well as a vehicle that had been broken into and rummaged through near Domino’s Pizza. The owner was on scene and listed the numerous items that had been stolen. These items were then determined to have been taken by the suspect who was identified as Mr. JAVIER MONTALVO, 45, of New Bedford.

MONTALVO was placed under arrest by the New Bedford officers and charged with breaking and entering into a vehicle at night for the purpose of a felony. He was also charged with possession of a knife, the length of which violated city ordinance regulations. Dartmouth police have charged MONTALVO with shoplifting at Cumberland Farms.

At the time of this arrest, MONTALVO had four open cases out of New Bedford District Court for which he was out on bail. He has a lengthy criminal history including 33 arraignments with 15 convictions for a variety of offenses. MONTALVO also has a history of failing to appear for his court dates.

If you have any information you would like to share with the police, you can do so anonymously by visiting our website, newbedfordpd.com, or by calling 508-99-CRIME.

A crew member on commercial fishing vessels operating out of New Bedford pleaded guilty today to evading nearly $300,000 in federal income taxes.

Rodolfo Membreno, 49, of Fall River, pleaded guilty to one count of evading and defeating taxes before U.S. District Judge Richard G. Stearns. Judge Stearns scheduled sentencing for May 15, 2024. Membreno was indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2023.

From 2013 through 2021, Membreno earned more than $1.3 million working as a commercial fisherman. During the calendar years 2013 through 2019 Membreno failed to file federal income tax returns. He then filed a false tax return for 2020, before again failing to file a return for calendar year 2021. Membreno failed to pay any income taxes on his fishing income and took other measures to prevent the IRS from tracing his income or determining his tax liabilities, including routinely cashing his paychecks and using the cash to fund his personal lifestyle. Membreno’s scheme resulted in tax losses of approximately $293,118 to the IRS, not including penalties and interest.

The charge of tax evasion carries a statutory maximum penalty of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater, and restitution to the IRS. 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; Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division; and Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor A. Wild of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts and Trial Attorney Ezra Spiro and Acting Chief John Kane of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.

On Wednesday night, a SWAT team breached the Best Western Motel on Route 6 in Dartmouth to capture a dangerous fugitive wanted on 7 warrants. Dartmouth Police got their man, Royleton Haston, Jr., 22, of Plymouth, Massachusetts, thankfully without incident.

But this unfortunately is not a unique scenario, as Dartmouth Police are constantly called to this strip of motels along Route 6 which is a hub of crime in an otherwise safe town of Dartmouth. If something shady is happening in Dartmouth, the overwhelming odds are that it’s happening along this strip of Route 6. I know this because I live nearby and I see it daily.

Following the arrest of the fugitive on Wednesday, Dartmouth Chief of Police, Brian P. Levesque noted,

“Sadly, dangerous fugitives such as Haston, Jr. are frequently found while hiding in the hotels and motels in our town. Had it not been for the keen observation of a new officer, and the rapid response of the numerous assets available to us, it is more than likely that Haston, Jr. would still be putting the public in danger by once again eluding arrest.”

Clearly, the Dartmouth Police are proactively attacking this issue; just last week they arrested 7 individuals in an undercover sting operation held at these motels. The Dartmouth Police Department Investigative Services Division, in partnership with the Massachusetts State Police High-Risk Victims Unit, conducted an undercover sting operation to combat the growing threat of prostitution and commercial sexual exploitation.

Throughout the day and night, detectives working in an undercover capacity arranged to meet with suspects at a local hotel/motel through an online ad that was posted. As a result of the operation, a total of 7 men were arrested and charged with sexual conduct for a fee.

Following this operation, Dartmouth Chief of Police Brian P. Levesque noted,

“This operation was the direct result of our commitment to combating the ongoing issues that we are experiencing at our local hotels and motels. Though it is impossible to completely eradicate the inherent problems that come with the transient environment that these establishments support, I would like it to be known that we, along with our partners at the State Police, will be taking further progressive measures to suppress this activity moving forward.”

Along with daily petty crime, housing fugitives, and operating as a hub for prostitution, it is also important to mention that a man has been missing for three years after his last known whereabouts was checking into one of these motels. Henry V Fermino was 60 years old when he went missing on May 9th 2021 and was last seen at the “Capri Motel” at 741 State Rd in North Dartmouth, MA.

He checked into the Capri Motel by himself Saturday on 05/08/2021 for two nights. On Sunday 05/09/2021 the girlfriend of Henry stated she received a phone call from a stranger’s phone and had a voicemail from Henry at around 8:00 AM. Some strangers while having breakfast stated they observed Henry crossing Route 6 away from the Motel.

Later that day, the housekeeper stated that around 2:00 PM she saw Henry with an unknown male she had never seen before but no vehicle was parked out front. His cell phone last pinged in the area of the Motel up until Tuesday 05/11/2021. The housekeeper stated she found Henry’s cell phone while cleaning his room on Monday 05/10/2021. Henry has not been seen or heard from since.

“FALL RIVER, Mass. ­– This month, Southcoast Health orthopedic surgeon Christopher Skeehan, MD reached an impressive milestone performing his 500th robotic-assisted procedure with Mako technology.

The Mako robotic-arm assisted surgery is an innovative solution for orthopedic surgeons at Southcoast Health’s Charlton Memorial Hospital to help individuals suffering from painful arthritis of the knee or hip. It allows our doctors to perform surgeries that are safer, more accurate, and customized to each patient’s individual needs.

Southcoast Health photo.

“Joining Southcoast Health in 2021, this milestone reflects the work we have done to refine and perfect our workflow in the operating room,” said Dr. Skeehan. “Utilizing this innovative technology for almost every primary knee and hip replacement, we are ensuring that the procedure is consistent with small tweaks for each individual patients. This approach helps us deliver stable knees and hips that our patients can rely on every time, with a very low risk.”

During surgery, the Mako system guides the surgeon’s cuts within the pre-defined area and helps prevent the surgeon from moving outside the planned boundaries. This helps provide more accurate placement, reducing the risk of complications and limiting damage to any surrounding tissues, tendons and ligaments.

With the robotic assisted approach, patients are often able to recover much faster after knee and hip replacement procedures and get back to doing what they love.

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About Southcoast Health
Founded in 1996, Southcoast Health serves communities across southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island as the largest provider of primary and specialty care in the region. The not-for-profit, charitable system includes three acute care hospitals – Charlton Memorial in Fall River, St. Luke’s in New Bedford (a Level II Trauma Center), and Tobey in Wareham, Massachusetts with a physician network of more than 675 providers.

The system has established more than 55 service locations across the South Coast of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, including six urgent care locations, a Visiting Nurse Association, the Southcoast Health Cancer Center, the region’s only Level II Adult Trauma Center and numerous ancillary facilities.

Southcoast Health has been recognized consecutively for five years in a row as a Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospital from 2019-2023 and named a Maternity Care Access Hospital for 2023-2024 by U.S. News & World Report. The organization was recognized as the best place to work for the sixth consecutive year by Southcoast Media Group’s community choice awards.

With upward of 7,500 employees, Southcoast Health is the largest employer in southeastern Massachusetts, and one of the largest employers in the Commonwealth, according to the Boston Business Journal. More information is available online at www.southcoast.org.”

“Calling all cAHs…Calling all cAHs

Apparently this guy is not part of “The Money Team,” as DPD is looking to identify him in connection with larceny from a disabled person over 60.

If anyone has information that can help us identify him, they are strongly encouraged to either send us a private message or call Detective Kyle Berube at 508-910-1760.

In addition, you can also submit an anonymous tip by clicking on the following link: https://www.dartmouthpd.org/resources/tip411-submit-a-tip/

Thank you!
PLEASE SHARE!-Dartmouth Police Department.

“DARTMOUTH, MA – On Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at approximately 8:50 p.m., Dartmouth Police Officer Alex TISDELLE observed a vehicle at the Best Western Motel matching the description of one associated with wanted fugitive, Royleton HASTON, Jr., 22, of Plymouth, Massachusetts.

HASTON, who has been the subject of several police incidents, was wanted on a total of seven (7) warrants, including assault and battery on a correctional facility employee, two (2) counts of assault and battery on a correctional facility employee with a bodily substance, malicious destruction to a motor vehicle, violation of an abuse prevention order, violation of an abuse prevention involving assault and battery, and failure to stop for police.

As HASTON, Jr. is inclined towards violence and running from the police, assets assigned to the Southeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council SWAT team responded to the scene, while Dartmouth Police Detective Matthew CORREIA drafted a search warrant for the room where HASTON, Jr. was staying.

After the hallway was secured by SWAT team members, HASTON, Jr. was taken into custody without incident.

According to Dartmouth Chief of Police, Brian P. LEVESQUE, “Sadly, dangerous fugitives such as HASTON, Jr. are frequently being found while hiding in the hotels and motels in our town. Had it not been for the keen observation of a new officer, and the rapid response of the numerous assets available to us, it is more than likely that HASTON, Jr. would still be putting the public in danger by once again eluding arrest.”-Dartmouth Police.

Dartmouth Police photo.

“Hi! Does anyone teach their families about special needs these days???

I was raised that we are all different in many ways and to not stare or make fun of others. I raise my autistic 13-year-old granddaughter Amariannah and she is the most loving and energetic person you could meet. You would actually love her back if you knew her.

My granddaughter seems to think everyone is her friend but as an adult seeing her being stared at while she is out in our community I know not everyone cares to be her friend. ? Breaks my heart that special needs kids and adults are just something for many to stare at or even just laugh at.

Parents should really be teaching their kids about the difference in others. We already live in a messed up world today and there’s no need for anyone to act as if they are better than others. We are in a world of many different types of people and special needs.

Please instead of staring, become a friend to someone who will brighten up your day like my Amariannah! Teach your kids please. Special needs kids deserve better than disrespect from adults and children. Thank you!”-Jennifer Lee Staples-Villegas.

Jennifer Lee Staples-Villegas photo.

“STOW — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced $5 million in awards to 321 Massachusetts fire departments through the state’s Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant program.

“Every single day, firefighters across Massachusetts put themselves in harm’s way to protect their communities,” said Governor Maura Healey. “They deserve our thanks and our support. The Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant program is just one way we can express our appreciation for that selfless dedication.”

“From structure fires and water rescues to hazardous materials and building collapses, firefighters never know what life-threatening risks the next call will bring,” said Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll. “These grants will support the purchase of fundamental tools and specialty equipment to help them do a dangerous job more safely.”

Fire departments across Massachusetts were invited to apply to the Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant program, which provides reimbursement on purchases of 135 different types of eligible equipment. Eligible items include hoses and nozzles, turnout gear, ballistic protective equipment, gear washers and dryers, thermal imaging cameras, hand tools and extrication equipment, communications resources, hazardous gas meters, and more. In many cases, the purchase of this equipment will help departments attain compliance with Occupational Safety & Health Administration or National Fire Protection Association safety standards. This is the fourth year that funding has been awarded through the program.

“For the second year in a row, many fire departments are using this program to provide their personnel with ballistic vests and helmets so they can make life-saving rescues in active shooter situations,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Security Terrence Reidy. “As we confront this growing threat and other emerging hazards, we are proud of the way Massachusetts fire departments have risen to every challenge.”

“While smoke and flames are the most obvious threats to firefighters’ safety, occupational cancer is the leading cause of death in the fire service,” said Deputy Secretary Susan Terrey. “We now know that wearing the right type of protective gear and cleaning it properly can reduce that risk. This program will give many firefighters access to tools that will help protect them from the number one threat to their health and well-being.”

“The Firefighter Safety Equipment Grants are an investment in the health and safety of Massachusetts firefighters,” said State Fire Marshal Jon Davine. “The flexibility of the program is especially valuable because it allows each department to make purchases based on their specific needs and resources. It has become a vital part of the way the Massachusetts fire service prepares for the constantly evolving threats in the world around us.”

“Firefighters who have the proper protective gear and contemporary rescue tools are much better able to protect themselves and the residents they serve,” said Hyannis Fire Chief Peter Burke, President of the Fire Chiefs’ Association of Massachusetts. “These grant awards will have immeasurable impacts on public safety in Massachusetts for years to come.”

A complete list of the awards by department can be found here. The 20 item categories most frequently funded through this year’s grants are broken down by Item and Quantity:

• Hoses, Nozzles, Fittings, and Adapters 1,262
• Coats 659
• Gloves 618
• Hoods 539
• Ballistic Vest 515
• Helmets 436
• Pants 409
• Ballistic Helmet 371
• Boots 351
• Combustible/Hazardous Gas Detectors 166
• Thermal Imaging Cameras 133
• Hand Tools 119
• SCBA Facepieces 104
• SCBA Bottles 102
• Portable (handheld) Radios 97
• Rescue Litters 76
• Cold Water Immersion Suits 63
• Extrication Tools 54
• Rescue Saw 49
• Vehicle Stabilization Struts 43″

The following is an opinion sent to New Bedford Guide. It does not reflect the opinion of New Bedford Guide, nor is it an OP-ED. In fairness and objectivity, we share opinions from our readers whether we agree or disagree with their opinion.

Do you have a counter opinion to this opinion? Have an opinion about something else? Email us at info@newbedfordguide.com.

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“Joe Biden now has to decide to be at war in the Middle East or not. No matter which position, strategy or policies Biden pursues the Republicans will take a contrary position as campaign fodder. If we find ourselves sending troops to the land area to combat Iran backed militias Trump will declare that he would never engage our troops in combat and that during his presidential tenure the United States did not engage in a new war.

On the other hand if Biden ignores the allegedly Iranian provocations he will be declared weak and ineffectual by Trump and his MAGA minions and supporters.

It’s a no win situation for Biden and no matter how reasonable or rational his response this will become another issue added to the list of grievances motivating the ultra MAGA supporters.

And it will also further inflame the progressive wing of the Democratic Party should he go to war after providing Israel with continuing aid that they will claim was the main motivation for Iranian provocations.

A mild response will disappoint a large segment of Democrats alleging that he is endangering our troops in the Middle East as well as Israel’s very existence.

The nuances of this unsolvable problem are never understood by the majority of voters and unfortunately will become material for many “one liners” during the campaign. Adding this to the immigration debacle could be too much to overcome, and the Trumpian negatives of loss of freedom of choice, and scores of Trump criminal indictments, and threats to democracy will have only a limited effect on voters.”-Betty Ussach, Dartmouth.

“Last night Officers Jarrod Levesque and Michael Chicca were each presented with the Distinguished Service Award from The Prince Henry Society.

This was for their life saving efforts on October 11, 2023. Both officers performed CPR, utilizing an AED, to save the life of an individual who had gone into cardiac arrest while the officers had been dispatched for an unrelated call.

The award was presented by Domingos Paiva from the Prince Henry Society.”-Westport Police Department.

Westport Police Department photo.

Westport Police Department photo.