“On Friday, June 18, 2021, at approximately 1:50 PM, the individual seen in these photographs gained access to unlocked motor vehicles at the Lebaron Hills Country Club and stole multiple credit cards.
If you recognize this person, please contact us. 508-947-4422.”-Lakeville Police Department.
Arrest #1: At about 10:25 PM on Friday, June 18,2021, members of the BPD Human Trafficking Unit and officers assigned to the BPD Crimes Against Children Unit in coordination with members of the Arlington Police Department and the FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force arrested Kayleigh Santos, 32, of Providence, RI, in the area of 811 Massachusetts Avenue in Boston.
Boston Police Department photo.
The suspect was placed in custody without incident pursuant to an outstanding straight warrant sought out of East Boston District Court on charges of Human Trafficking and Deriving Support from Prostitution stemming from an ongoing investigation.
During the booking process, officers recovered four plastic bags of powdered heroin as well as a container of unidentified orange pills which will result in additional charges upon arraignment.
Arrest #2: At about 11:28 PM on Friday, June 18,2021, officers located and arrested a second suspect wanted in connection to this investigation, Marquis Campbell, 29, of Hyde Park, in the area of 3699 Washington Street in Jamaica Plain.
The suspect was placed under arrest without incident by virtue of an arrest warrant issued out of Boston Municipal Court on charges of Human Trafficking.
Kayleigh Santos is expected to be arraigned in East Boston District Court while Marquis Campbell is expected to appear in Boston Municipal Court.
“This summer when swimming in lakes, ponds, and other natural bodies of water, be aware of tree limbs, rocks or other obstacles and steep drop-offs that can take you by surprise.
Natural bodies of water are more dangerous than they look because there may be:
• Steep drop-offs that can take you by surprise
• Invisible currents that can sweep you away or tire you out
• Tree limbs, plants, rocks and other obstacles that you can get stuck on
• Cold water that can shock your system and impair your ability to react
• More distance to reach that island than you think
• pPor visibility in the water, which can make it hard for you to see where you are and for other people to see you
Stay safe when visiting any natural body of water:
• Look for signs that say “No Swimming.” If you see a sign, don’t go into the water past your ankles.
• Call 911 immediately if you think someone is drowning.
• Do not try to rescue someone from the water unless you are trained in water rescue.
• Ask someone in your group to stay sober, out of the water, and diligent about keeping an eye on the people in the water.
After a lengthy investigation into the hit-and-run crash that injured a Massachusetts State Police Lieutenant on Wednesday, MSP Troopers, in conjunction with Connecticut State Police and New Haven, Conn., Police, developed probable cause that PERRY LIVINGSTON a 40-year-old male from New Haven, was the operator of the tractor-trailer that hit the Lieutenant.
Investigators obtained an arrest warrant for LIVINGSTON and arrested him today at his residence in New Haven.
Connecticut State Police located the tractor-trailer LIVINGSTON was operating in Milford Connecticut; it was unoccupied. The tractor-trailer was seized pending a search warrant.
The investigation was a cooperative effort between several Massachusetts State Police units (Troop C, Middlesex County State Police Detective Unit, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Section, and Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section), Connecticut State Police, and New Haven Police.
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Previous news release:
We continue to seek the driver of a tractor-trailer who struck an MSP Lieutenant yesterday on Route 495 north in Hopkinton.
Ongoing investigation has led to more information about the sequence of events in this incident. The Lieutenant was on duty and traveling in his unmarked cruiser when he observed a different tractor-trailer that was ahead of him pull into the breakdown lane for a smoking tire. He activated his blue lights and pulled behind that tractor-trailer to protect that truck and its driver and to render any assistance needed.
As the Lieutenant exited his cruiser, he noticed the second tractor-trailer – the one that would hit him in a matter of seconds – oncoming in the breakdown lane and rapidly approaching his position. That tractor-trailer suddenly attempted to pull back into the right travel lane; the truck’s cab was able to do so and narrowly avoid hitting the Lieutenant or his cruiser, but the trailer it was pulling did not clear the Lieutenant, who was standing up against the driver’s side of his cruiser.
The trailer passing by at highway speed made contact with the Lieutenant, side-swiping and spinning him, pushing him into the passenger side of the cruiser. The impact caused injuries to his arms and hands. The trailer only made contact with the Lieutenant, who was between it and the cruiser; the trailer did not impact the cruiser. The damage to the cruiser’s rear driver’s side door was caused by the Lieutenant being pushed into it. The Lieutenant then made a radio transmission indicating he had been struck, while a civilian Good Samaritan and the other tractor-trailer driver offered assistance.
The Lieutenant, who is the commander of our Traffic Programs Section, has been released from the hospital and will be on injured leave.
In addition to the identity of the driver, the reason why the second tractor-trailer was driving in the breakdown lane remains under investigation. Anyone who has information on that truck – a Freightliner with a blue cab and white trailer, probably a model year from 1998-2001 – is asked to call the State Police-Charlton Barracks at 508-721-4040.
These photos are from the updated video of the truck we released last night:
Massachusetts State Police photo.
Massachusetts State Police photo.
Massachusetts State Police photo.
Massachusetts State Police photo.
“Members of the Massachusetts State Police helped escort a piece of steel from the World Trade Center from 9/11 to the Newburyport Fire Department, where it will become part of a memorial to those lost in the September 11, 2001 attacks.
MSP Troop A members took over the escort from New Hampshire State Police at the state line on Interstate 95. Troopers escorted the steel to the Fire Department along with two Newburyport Police Officers and three pieces of Newbury Fire Department apparatus.
Among those participating (seen in the group photo) were Troop A commander Major Matthew Gravini, State Police-Concord commander Lieutenant Joseph Receine, State Police-Newbury commander Lieutenant Anthony Vorias, and Trooper Stephen O’Connell from State Police-Newbury.
They were joined in the photo by NHSP Trooper Harrison Walters. We were honored to be part of the escort of the artifact to the place where it will become a permanent memorial.”-Massachusetts State Police.
Massachusetts State Police photo.
Massachusetts State Police photo.
Massachusetts State Police photo.
Massachusetts State Police photo.
“After 32 years at the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office, Maj. Michael Pires walked out the door for the final time on Thursday afternoon.
He was greeted by fellow officers, staff members, and family on his way into retirement. “After thirty-two years of meeting new people, I have made many lifelong friends and it all has been worth the time and effort,”
Maj. Pires wrote to the entire staff in a farewell email on Thursday. “I hope that the future shines as bright for all of you.”
Congratulations and good luck in retirement Mike, we’ll miss you!”-Bristol County Sheriff’s Office.
The following opinion was sent to New Bedford Guide. It is our policy to share opinions regardless of which side of the cultural, historic, or political spectrum. We may or may not agree with the opinions expressed in these articles.
If you have a story, opinion, or talent you want to share with greater New Bedford inbox us at info@newbedfordguide.com.
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“Long-time New Bedford resident Dr. Jibreel A.A. Khazan asks the New Bedford community not to sell their homes.
In a conversation following his receiving a Massachusetts Black Excellence Award from State Rep. Tony Cabral’s office Dr. Khazan spoke about the importance of preserving and saving the New Bedford community in Ward 4 from displacement and gentrification. This snippet is part of a cultural memory project entitled “Um Frenti Unido – Um Prujeto di Memória Kultural” (A United Front – A Cultural Memory Project).
This project aims to explore how “creative placemaking” is a catalyst for the rapid rent increases leading to the displacement and gentrification of the historic African and Indigenous communities in Acushnet (New Bedford). Moreover, to archive the living memory of the Cape Verdean American community in Acushnet (New Bedford). Historically, Acushnet (New Bedford) is the first American city that Cape Verdeans immigrated to.
Moreover, Cape Verdeans are also the first African people to “voluntarily” emigrate to the United States, post-European colonization. This makes this community uniquely important to African, Cape Verdean, and American history. This cultural memory project will elevate first-person narratives from this historic African immigrant community. It will also explore the cross-cultural relationships and moments of solidarity between the Cape Verdean, African American, Caribbean, Pokanoket, Wampanoag, Nipmuc, Narragansett, and Indigenous communities. The project is being led by La Soul Renaissance.
La Soul Renaissance recently received some funding to support portions of this project from (Mass Development – TDI – Barr Foundation) in the form of an “Art is Everywhere” grant through NB Creative. #DecolonizeAcushnet”
A former Boston Police Sergeant pleaded guilty today in connection with committing over $25,000 in overtime fraud while assigned to the Boston Police Department’s (BPD) evidence warehouse.
Gerard O’Brien, 62, of Braintree, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit theft concerning programs receiving federal funds and one count of embezzlement from an agency receiving federal funds. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for Oct. 28, 2021.
In September 2020, O’Brien and eight other Boston Police officers were arrested and charged for their roles in an overtime fraud scheme that is alleged to have collectively embezzled over $250,000 between May 2016 and February 2019. As part of the ongoing investigation, four additional officers have been charged: former officer Joseph Nee, former Captain Richard Evans and former Sergeants George Finch and William Baxter. Finch pleaded guilty on June 1, 2021. Nee and Baxter are each scheduled to plead guilty on June 22, 2021 and June 25, 2021, respectively. On April 8, 2021, Evans pleaded not guilty.
From December 2016 through February 2019, O’Brien submitted false and fraudulent overtime slips for overtime hours that he did not work for two overtime shifts at the evidence warehouse. The first, called “purge” overtime, was a 4 – 8 p.m. weekday shift intended to dispose of old, unneeded evidence. The second shift, called “kiosk” overtime, involved driving to each police district in Boston one Saturday a month to collect old prescription drugs to be burned.
For the “purge” shift, O’Brien claimed to have worked from 4 – 8 p.m., but he routinely left at 6 p.m., and sometimes earlier. Additionally, O’Brien knowingly endorsed the fraudulent overtime slips of his subordinates who, allegedly, also left early from this shift. For the “kiosk” shift, O’Brien and, allegedly, others submitted overtime slips claiming to have worked eight-and-one-half hours, when in fact he and, allegedly, other members of the unit, only worked three-to-four hours of those shifts.
From December 2016 to February 2019, O’Brien personally collected approximately $25,930 for overtime hours he did not work.
From 2015 through 2019, BPD received annual benefits from the U.S. Department of Transportation and U.S. Department of Justice in excess of $10,000, which were funded pursuant to numerous federal grants.
The charge of embezzlement from an agency receiving federal funds provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss. The charge of conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, 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 other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell; Russell W. Cunningham, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General, Washington Field Office; and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistance was provided by the Boston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Grady of Mendell’s Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit is 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.
New Bedford Public Schools hold morning learning sessions; City’s Parks, Recreation & Beaches offer afternoon supervised recreation and food.
New Bedford Public Schools is offering school-based summer programming to students pre-identified and invited by their respective schools. Transportation, breakfast and lunch is included.
Starting July 5: Middle Schools will offer “ELA & Math Acceleration Academies” beginning on Monday, July 5, from 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon, Monday through Friday, ending on Friday, July 30.
Starting July 6: Elementary & High Schools, Extended Year Services, and English Language Learner programs begin on Tuesday, July 6, from 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon. Thereafter, programs will run Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon, ending on Friday, July 30.
Summer enrollment is by recommendation by school. Parents/guardians interested in having their NBPS student attend summer sessions may apply for enrollment by contacting their child’s school. Seating is limited.
The City of New Bedford Parks, Recreation & Beaches will provide afternoon recreational activities from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday at the ‘Play in the Park’ and Summer Food Program, with free meals and Grab ‘n’ Go lunches for youth 18 years old and younger. Recreational activities will include lawn games, art and crafts, sports and special guests such as the Art Mobile, and begins June 24 and runs through Aug 27.
Jennifer Ferland, NBPS Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives & Partnerships said, “We are grateful to Parks, Recreation & Beaches for providing lunch and supervised activities at parks across the city, which students may wish to attend with their parent or guardian’s permission, after they leave their school programs at noon. Mornings and afternoons, it’s going to be a great opportunity for catch-up learning and summer fun.”
Outdoor recreational activities and free Grab ‘n’ Go lunches will run Monday-Friday from June 24 through August 27, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the following city parks & playgrounds: Ashley Park; Brooklawn Park; Buttonwood Park; Clasky Common Park; Dias Field; Gomes School Playground (286 So. Second); Harrington Park (Court & Tremont); Hazelwood Park/West Beach Pavilion; Riverside Park; Ruth St. Playground (corner, McGuirk). Schedules may be subject to change.
Free Grab ‘n’ Go lunches will also be available at Eddie James Park (Nashmont) and Phillips Ave. Pocket Park (corner, Phillips & Acushnet Ave). Free Dinner for youth 18 years old and younger and recreational activities will be available at Magnett Park and Monte Park on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Bus transportation to and from morning learning sessions will be provided to qualified enrolled students. Transportation to the nearest Play in the Park location will be provided at parents’ request at the time of enrollment. Transportation home from parks is not provided.
Thanks to the sponsorship of Hawthorn Medical Associates and BayCoast Bank, the City of New Bedford announced the details of the City’s 2021 Independence Day fireworks display over New Bedford Harbor. Lead sponsor Hawthorn Medical Associates contributed $9,000 and co-sponsor BayCoast Bank contributed $7,500 to support the fireworks display in the city.
The City of New Bedford’s Independence Day fireworks display will be staged from a barge located off of State Pier in New Bedford Harbor, beginning at 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 3. Lower Union Street (east of Water Street) will be closed to vehicle traffic and will be the best spot in Downtown New Bedford to view the fireworks display.
In addition to the generous sponsorship of Hawthorn Medical Associates and BayCoast Bank, Tucker Roy Marine Towing & Salvage and AGM Marine Contractors will again support the 2021 Independence Day fireworks display this year by providing the commercial barge.
“Thanks to the generous support of Hawthorn Medical Associates, who have been a close partner as we have managed the effects of the pandemic over the past year, and BayCoast Bank, a longtime supporter of charitable and civic events in the city, New Bedford is looking forward to hosting a festive Independence Day weekend in downtown New Bedford,” said Mayor Jon Mitchell. “We invite residents and visitors to spend time downtown on the Independence Day weekend to celebrate and enjoy the fireworks display.”