Crime

UTEC Among Those Receiving State Grants to Help Reduce Repeat Offenses by Those Leaving Prison

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The Essex County Sheriff’s Department was among those recently awarded state Emerging Adult Reentry Initiative grants to reduce repeat offenses and improve outcomes of people aged 18 to 25 who are leaving prison. Chelsea-based Roca was awarded $1.6 million to provide programs for the prison and probations operations of the Sheriff’s Departments of Essex, Hampden and Suffolk counties, while UTEC—which operates in Haverhill, Lawrence and Lowell—was awarded $1.2 million for prisons operated by the Sherriff’s Departments in Essex and Middlesex counties. According to the state, programs partner with the departments to deliver pre- and post-release services. “Quality reentry programs are essential to preventing recidivism and improving outcomes for young adults. The Emerging Adult Reentry Initiative combines evidence-based programming with ongoing technical assistance and strong collaboration between partner agencies and service providers.

Crime

Judge Sentences North Andover Business Owner for Using COVID-19 Aid to Buy Ring, Remodel Home

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A 42-year-old North Andover businessman was sentenced Wednesday for taking COVID-19 relief aid to, among other things, buy a diamond ring and remodel his home. Jesse Lelievre, owner and manager of Paramount Plumbing & Heating, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to two years of supervised release, with the first five months as home detention. Lelievre was also ordered to pay $179,090 in restitution. Last September, Lelievre pleaded guilty to theft of government property. After being charged in July.

Crime

2024 Year in Review: Backyard Pipe Bomb and Hotel Shootout Among Strange Haverhill Crimes

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Two strange and potentially life-threatening crimes put Haverhill residents on edge in 2024. A backyard “pipe bomb,” thought capable of sending shrapnel up to 300 yards away, caused the evacuation of Haverhill homes last July, while a gunfight at a Haverhill hotel left a 20-year-old seriously injured in March. In July, Haverhill Police charged 63-year-old David Farnsworth with making the pipe bomb with the intent to injure and making terroristic threats, among other charges. Police were initially alerted by a relative who said Farnsworth, reportedly battling a serious illness and suffering from depression, claimed to have been “building a bomb to kill himself and others.”

Police evacuated surrounding neighbors near the Methuen line, off Routes 110 and 113, including the densely populated Churchill Courts apartment complex. The State Police Bomb Squad determined the three-foot tall explosive “was a functioning device” and that nearby homes “would have been impacted by any explosion.” Roads in the area were closed for State Police-supervised detonations.

Crime

Lawrence Man, Shot by Haverhill Police Last Month, Faces Charges Related to Striking Officers with Car

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A 26-year-old, shot by a Haverhill detective last month after he allegedly drove into police officers conducting an investigation, is scheduled to return in January to both Haverhill and Lawrence District Courts. Records show Christopher Roque-Joaquin of Lawrence was arraigned in Haverhill District Court Dec. 11, nearly a month after he allegedly tried to run down Haverhill police officers who conducting an investigation at the Main Street McDonald’s in Haverhill. He will appear during a pre-trial hearing Jan. 21 before Judge Cesar A. Archilla in Haverhill District Court on such charges as six counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault with a dangerous weapon, leaving the scene of property damage, driving under influence of drugs, failure to stop for police, possession of a class A drug, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, driving after suspended of license and registration, driving an uninsured motor vehicle and larceny under $1,200.

Crime

New Hampshire State Police Says Aircraft Clocked 20 I-93 Drivers Traveling Faster Than 90 MPH

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New Hampshire State Police said its aircraft observed this week 52 drivers violating traffic laws along Interstate 93 north in Salem, N.H., with drivers some traveling faster than 100 miles per hour

Police reported no arrests Dec. 23 by the State Police Special Enforcement Unit, but said violations included speeding, distracted driving, following too closely and reckless driving. Twenty drivers were seen traveling 90 miles per hour or greater and five were driving recklessly and traveling faster than 100 miles per hour. It warned, troopers will continue to conduct traffic enforcement to reduce speeds, prevent serious crashes and ensure the safety of residents and visitors this holiday season. New Hampshire State Police reminded drivers minimum penalties for reckless driving include a fine of $620 with an additional mandatory penalty assessment and a 60-day loss of driver’s licenses.

Crime

Lawrence Man to Serve Up to 26 Years for Shooting Death; Same Sentence as Haverhill Offender

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A 23-year-old Lawrence man was ordered to serve 22 to 26 years in state prison after pleading guilty Thursday in Salem Superior Court to charges related to the shooting death of a 26-year-old and wounding of two others. Miguel Angel Vega Rodriguez was sentenced by Judge Camille F. Sarrouf Jr. to serve 22 to 26 years in state prison on charges of voluntary manslaughter, two counts of armed assault to murder, two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury and carrying a firearm without a license. Last year, a second man charged in the same case, 27-year-old Hector Baez of Haverhill also pled guilty and received an identical sentence from Judge Janice W. Howe. “Following this guilty plea, Miguel Vega Rodriguez will now face the consequences for his terrible actions,” said Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker. “I greatly appreciate all those who have worked diligently on this case.

Crime

Federal Judge Sentences Methuen Man to Six Years in Prison for Methamphetamine Dealing

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A 30-year-old Methuen man was sentenced to six years in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine in New Hampshire. Leuris Xavier Guerrero Valdez was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Landya McCafferty to 72 months in prison and three years of supervised release. According to U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young. “Methamphetamine, a dangerous and highly addictive drug, wreaks havoc on public health and safety,” said Young. “Individuals like the defendant who profit from poisoning our communities will be held accountable.

Crime

State Awards Haverhill, Lawrence and Methuen Money to Fight Youth and Gang Violence

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Haverhill, Lawrence and Methuen were formally awarded state grants Wednesday to help reduce youth and gang-related violence. Haverhill and Methuen will share $310,466 from the Charles E. Shannon Jr. Community Safety Initiative, while Lawrence will receive $299,866. “Preventing violence among young people is critical to ensuring the future wellbeing of our youth and the safety of our communities,” said Gov. Maura T. Healey in a statement. “This work requires collaboration among law enforcement, state and local officials, youth-serving nonprofits and research partners to help ensure funds have the greatest positive impact.”

The state grant program awards money yearly to support regional, multi-disciplinary program sites that take collaborative and evidence-based approaches to reduce youth and gang violence. The funds are managed and administered by the Office of Grants and Research (OGR).