“The Association would like to commend the hard work of our members who braved the elements during this week’s storm that rocked our state with high winds, rain, snow, and flooding.

As always the men and women of the Massachusetts State Police did not hesitate to answer the call, putting service to the Commonwealth above all else.”-State Police Association of Massachusetts.

State Police Association of Massachusetts photo.

State Police Association of Massachusetts photo.

The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office reported that 51-year-old Michael Williams was at Boston City Hall Friday morning allegedly shouting racial slurs at a group of people at the government building.

When Boston Police Officers arrived they asked Williams’ to vacate the premises, but the 51–year old refused to leave. When asked by one of the officers, Are you choosing to be arrested?” he replied “Yes, I would rather be arrested.”

It is when police made an attempt to arrest him that he allegedly became combative and at one point bit one of the officers powerfully enough to cause significant bleeding. The bite was strong enough that skin could be seen hanging off of the officer’s hand. It was at this point that Williams’ broke free from their grasp and allegedly began punching officers.

Williams was eventually subdued, arrested, and charged with two counts of assault and battery on a police officer, trespassing, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, and assault to maim. In total four officers were transported to Mass General Hospital to be treated for their injuries.

Defendant previously extradited from the United Kingdom to face charges.

BOSTON – A former New Bedford man was sentenced yesterday for wire fraud and money laundering charges involving funds obtained from “romance scam” victims.

Chukwunonso “Douglas” Umegbo, a/k/a James Abbott, a/k/a Michael Philips, a/k/a Richard Armani, 39, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge George A. O’Toole Jr. to 42 months in prison, followed by one year of supervised release. Umegbo was also ordered to pay restitution and forfeiture of $578,954.78. In January 2024, Umegbo pleaded guilty to six counts of making a false statement to a bank, two counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. Umegbo was arrested in London in April 2022 and extradited to the United States in February 2023. He has remained in federal custody since.

Between no later than 2018 through at least 2019, Umegbo opened bank accounts in the greater Boston area using fake identity documents. The bank accounts were used to receive fraudulently obtained funds from a number of victims of romance scams, in which perpetrators create fictitious online personas to develop online romantic relationships with individuals in the U.S., and then leverage those relationships to obtain money and/or property. Once the fraudulently obtained funds reached the accounts controlled by Umegbo, Umegbo withdrew the money in cash, used the funds to purchase cashier’s checks, or spent the money. Altogether, the fraudulent accounts received more than $568,000. Even after leaving the U.S., Umegbo continued to obtain bank account information from co-conspirators in Massachusetts, to whom he directed victim funds.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided valuable assistance in securing the arrest and extradition from the U.K. of Umegbo. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristen A. Kearney and Leslie A. Wright of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.”-Massachusets Department of Justice.

“Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School (GNBVT) is thrilled to announce the celebration of Multicultural Day on Friday, April 12, 2024. This inaugural event is a significant step toward celebrating the diverse backgrounds of our student body and emphasizing our commitment to fostering an environment of inclusion, diversity, equity, and belonging within our school community.

Multicultural Day is set to offer an enlightening and engaging experience, symbolizing GNBVT’s dedication to creating an educational setting where every faculty, staff, and student feels valued, heard, and included. Through a variety of planned activities, we aim to cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation for the multitude of cultures represented at our school, reinforcing the idea that diversity is our strength.

Yolanda Dennis, Director of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Family Engagement, shares her enthusiasm for the upcoming festivities, “Multicultural Day represents our relentless pursuit of an inclusive, empathetic, and welcoming school culture. It provides a vibrant platform for students to explore and celebrate the myriad cultures within our community, fostering a day rich in learning, connection, and relationship-building.”

On this special day, the GNBVT Student Council encourages students, faculty, and staff to wear attire that reflects their cultural heritage, adding an element to the celebration of diversity. The day will begin with a student-curated diverse breakfast, followed by a specially themed lunch menu, offering a taste of the wide array of cultures present within our school community.

In addition to the culinary experiences, Multicultural Day will feature a series of activities throughout all lunch shifts. By facilitating these experiences, GNBVT not only aims to educate, but also to inspire our students to embrace and celebrate diversity in all its forms.”

“On Wednesday, April 3, 2024, Mansfield Officers executed an arrest warrant for an individual with two default warrants out of Attleboro District Court for crimes committed in Mansfield and Norton. Probable cause was subsequently developed that there were a number of illegal firearms located at 142 Church Street. Mansfield Police Detectives applied for and were granted a search warrant, and as a result, recovered 23 firearms, over 10,000 rounds of ammunition, high-capacity feeding devices, and items used for making improvised explosives.

This morning, Thursday, April 4, 2024, more information was obtained regarding the items found in the home. After consultation with the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, ATF, and the State Police Bomb Squad, Detectives applied for and were granted a second search warrant for the grounds of the property of 142 Church Street. After speaking with neighbors and containing the scene, a thorough search of the grounds of the property was conducted with help from State and Federal partners.

As a result of the investigation, a 61-year-old Mansfield man is currently being held on the default warrants and will face additional charges in Attleboro District Court that will include the following:

• Improper storage of a firearm
• Improper storage of a large-capacity firearm
• Possession of explosives
• Possession of fireworks
• Possession of a large-capacity firearm
• Possession of a firearm without an FID card

Thank you to our law enforcement partners for their assistance and to the Church Street neighbors for their patience and understanding. The name of the subject is being withheld pending arraignment, and the investigation is ongoing.”-Mansfield, MA Police Department.

“Get ready to experience an unforgettable night of theatre at New Bedford High School.

Performing two shows in one night, the NBHS Drama Club is prepared to dazzle and entertain audiences of all ages. Act 1 is in partnership with the NBHS Show Choir and is an original ode to musical theatre told through the lens of an imagined school field trip to The Great White Way. Act 2 is the sensational tale of six extraordinary young women via the Teen Edition of the 2017 Broadway smash hit, SIX. This electrifying musical, a modern retelling of the lives of the six wives of Henry VIII, promises to captivate audiences with its dynamic performances and empowering message.

Scheduled to run Friday and Saturday, April 5-6 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, April 7 at 4:00 p.m. in the Bronspiegel Auditorium at New Bedford High School, the students have been tirelessly preparing to bring this exhilarating and unique production to life. The talented cast and crew have poured their hearts and souls into every aspect of the show, from the vibrant choreography to the show-stopping musical numbers and extensive costumes.

Titled “Singing in the City,” the show choir musical theatre revue will bring to life some of the most memorable Broadway songs from contemporary and classic shows, featuring fully orchestrated excerpts pulled straight from the scores. Then, SIX: Teen Edition puts a contemporary twist on history, giving voice to the wives of Henry VIII as they reclaim their stories and share their experiences through the power of music and storytelling. Audiences can expect to be transported on a journey filled with humor, heartache, and ultimately, empowerment, as each queen takes center stage to tell her side of the story. The combination of these two shows into one evening celebrates the transformative and inclusive nature of theatre. There is truly something for everybody on the stage!

“These productions of Singing in the City and SIX: Teen Edition are a testament to the incredible talent and dedication of our students,’ said Sarah Cadieux Pacheco and Stephanie Donnelly, Drama Club Co-Directors. Drama Club Assistant Director, Ricardo Aguiar, shared, “These students have worked tirelessly to bring these moments to life in a way that is fresh, exciting, and relevant to audiences of all ages. We couldn’t be prouder of what they have accomplished, and we can’t wait for everyone to see the amazing performances they have in store.”

Tickets for Singing in the City and SIX: Teen Edition are available online: our.show/nbhsrevueandsix or in person at the NBHS Box Office beginning one hour before each show. Tickets are $10 for students and seniors, $12 for adults, with a $2 processing fee per ticket. Don’t miss your chance to witness this unforgettable theatrical experience, brought to you by the next generation of rising stars in the world of musical theater.

Singing in the City and SIX: Teen Edition are supported, in part, by the New Bedford Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. SIX: Teen Edition is presented by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals, www.concordtheatricals.com.”

“** 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐀𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 **

April is Autism Acceptance Month, and we’re giving out Safety Seat Belt Covers! In 2020, the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office created the Autism Safety Seat Belt Cover program.

The covers are a perfect way to alert first responders if someone is non-verbal or needs a special approach. If they can benefit you, your family, or anyone you may know, please DM us to pick one up at HQ (871 Rockdale Avenue).

We have 25 of them, so it will be on a first come, first served basis.”-City of New Bedford Police Department.

City of New Bedford Police Department photo.

The City of New Bedford has roadwork sites for the upcoming week of April 8, 2024 – April 12, 2024, and they are as follows:

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

• Installing services on Central Ave from Church St to Conduit St
• Main relay on Acushnet Ave from Phillips Rd to Bowles St
• Main relay on Acushnet Ave from Phillips Rd to 3082 Acushnet Ave
• Main relay on Brook St from Irvington St to Clifford St
• Main relay on County St from Cove St to Rivet St
• Main relay on Princeton St from Church St to Ashley Blvd
• Services on Jouvette St from County St to Crapo St
• Services on Mosher St from County St to Crapo St
• Services on W. Rodney French Blvd from Calumet St to Bayview St
• Tie-in work at Arlington St and Central Ave
• Tie-in work at Conduit St and Shaw St
• Tie-in work at Central Ave and Conduit St
• Tie-in work at Central Ave and Church 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 will take place Sunday – Thursday with overnight operations only.
• Starting Sunday, April 7th at 8:00 PM through Thursday, April 11th MassDOT will be closing Acushnet Avenue, RT 18 North Bound, RT 18 South Bound and the Purchase Street Ramp during overnight hours for one night each segment for continued work on the pedestrian bridge.  Traffic detours will be in place. 
• Contractor (PA Landers) will be working on a road reconstruction project at West Rodney French Boulevard from Cove Street to George Street.
• Contractor (JH Lynch) will be working on the MassDOT road construction project at the intersection of Rockdale Ave at Allen St. Traffic detours will be in place during workday hours of operation.
• Contractor (PA Landers) tentatively scheduled to resume work on the MassDOT road construction project on Kings Highway from Mt. Pleasant Street to Oliver Street.
• Contractor (PA Landers) tentatively scheduled to commence work on Monday, April 15th at the MassDOT road reconstruction project on County Street from Nelson Street to Rivet Street.
• Contractor (Various utility companies) will be working on utility pole transfers at the MassDOT road reconstruction project on Acushnet Avenue from Tobey Street to Pequot Street.
• Contractor (Barletta Heavy Division) scheduled to start night work on April 3rd to install tie girders and knuckles for the South Coast Rail Pedestrian Bridge project.
• 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.) and continue site work at 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. If you have questions, please email the project team at SouthCoastRail@dot.state.ma.us
• MassDOT scheduled to start pavement preservation and related work on Route 140 both north bound and south bound from mile marker 0.0 to mile marker 5.2 starting April 1st and is scheduled until January 15th of 2026. Work to be conducted during overnight hours. Police details and ramp closures with detours to be expected.
 
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 Grape Street between Brownell Street and Winter Street, Brownell Street between Allen Street and Grape Street. Tuesday on Grape Street between Brownell Street and Winter Street, Brownell Street between Allen Street and Grape Street, Allen Street between Brownell Street and Winter Street. Wednesday on Grape Street between Winter Street and Rural Street, Grape Street between West Street and Alec Street, Clover Street between Allen Street and Grape Street. Thursday on Lewis Court between Grape Street and the end of road, Page Street between Allen Street and Grape Street. At times during working hours, these locations may be closed to thru traffic with signs posted to detour traffic around work areas. Police details will be on-site allowing access to residents only and assisting with traffic management.

Project: Grape Street Collector Rehabilitation General Contractor: Green Mountain Pipeline Services Subcontractor: Duke’s Root Control and Ribeiro Construction Inc (Friday 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM)
• The Subcontractor is scheduled to continue installation of the drain manhole and 36-in PVC drain piping at Buttonwood Park between the pond and Kempton Street.

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 is scheduled to continue granite curb replacement and concrete sidewalk placement along Nash Road between Shawmut Avenue and Mount 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.

“‼️ Calling all cAHs…Calling all cAHs‼️

There have been some pretty famous trios in history… The Beastie Boys, Rush, Run DMC, Nirvana, TLC, The Police (😉😁), & so many more… annnnd thennnnn there’s these guys.

Since they’re working super hard on their New England tour (by stealing thousands of dollars worth of merchandise), maybe we can help them out by making them super famous.. DPD style.

“Touring” all over New England must be exhausting.. Let’s find these guys and give them a well-deserved break.

If you recognize any of these individuals, please contact Detective Kyle Berube at 508-910-1760 or send us a private message.
Please share.

Thank you!!”-Dartmouth Police Department.

Dartmouth Police Department photo.

Dartmouth Police Department photo.

Dartmouth Police Department photo.

“BOSTON – A Quincy man pleaded guilty today to committing a hate crime.

John Sullivan, 78, pleaded guilty to one count of violating the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for June 26, 2024. Sullivan was indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2023.

On Dec. 2, 2022, Sullivan encountered a Vietnamese family he had never met before outside a post office in Quincy. Sullivan yelled to the family, which included three children under the age of 12, to “go back to China,” and threatened to kill them. He then drove his car into one of the family members, causing the victim to land on the hood of the moving car and remain there while the car moved approximately 200 feet. After Sullivan stopped the car and the victim slid off, Sullivan again drove his car forward, hitting the victim a second time causing the victim to fall into a construction ditch and suffer injury.

“The actions of John Sullivan are appalling and a sad reflection of intolerance and hate that is far too prevalent in our society. Sullivan violently assaulted an individual in front of children because of his race and national origin,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “This behavior will never be tolerated and we will continue to aggressively prosecute hate crimes.”

“This defendant’s hate-filled attack not only seriously injured the victim, but also traumatized three children in his family, solely because they were Asian American,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “No person in this country should have to fear for their own or their family’s safety because of who they are or where they are from. The Justice Department is determined to stem the rising tide of hate crimes and will vigorously prosecute those who commit them.”

“John Sullivan’s hateful and violent conduct, motivated by racial intolerance, was intended to physically harm the victim in this case, and instill fear within the Asian community in Quincy,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “The FBI and our partners simply won’t tolerate crimes spurred by hate. While we all have the right to believe whatever we want, when those views lead to violence, that’s a different and dangerous story. We urge anyone who is a victim or witness to a hate crime, to report it to us at 1-800-CALL-FBI or tips.fbi.gov.”

The charge provides for a maximum sentence of 10 years, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $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 U.S. Attorney Levy, AAG Clarke and FBI SAC Cohen made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Quincy Police Department and the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Torey B. Cummings of the Civil Rights & Human Trafficking Unit and Tara Allison of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.”-Massachusetts Department of Justice.