Crime

Lawrence Man Pleads Not Guilty After Fentanyl, Methamphetamine Found at Day Care Center

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A 40-year-old Lawrence man pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Monday to trafficking in drugs found at a registered day care center. Antonio “Tony” Solano was arraigned in Lawrence District Court on charges of trafficking in 36 grams or more of fentanyl, two counts of trafficking in more than 10 grams of fentanyl, distribution of methamphetamine, distribution of a Class B substance and possession with intent to distribute a Class B substance. Judge Carol-Ann Fraser set bail at $25,000 and ordered Solano to return Jan. 3 for a probable cause hearing. Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker’s office said police found a variety of suspected drugs at Sixta Child Daycare on Ames Street.

Crime

Former Lawrence Chief of Staff Pleads Guilty to Collecting Child Pornography Files

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The former chief of staff to the mayor of Lawrence pleaded guilty Friday in federal court in Boston to transporting and possessing child sexual abuse material. Fifty-year-old Jhovanny Martes-Rosario pleaded guilty to transportation of child pornography and possession of child pornography. U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for March 10. As WHAV reported in April 2023, Martes-Rosario was indicted by a federal grand jury. According to U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy’s office, Martes-Rosario was identified by police as the likely user of Yahoo and Apple accounts containing child pornography.

Haverhill

Giving to WHAV Means Supporting Local News Everywhere

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There are only a few weeks left to ensure local news coverage in the year ahead. Until Dec. 31, new or increased contributions to nonprofit WHAV are matched dollar-for-dollar up to $1,000 by NewsMatch. What’s more, new monthly donations are matched 12 times! If you’ve been putting off a donation, consider this: WHAV breaks stories first that are later picked up by newspapers, online sites and other media.

Haverhill

Haverhill Fire Blames Light Fixture for Silver Street House Fire Friday

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A faulty ceiling light fixture is blamed for a fire that broke out early Friday afternoon in Haverhill. Fire Chief Robert M. O’Brien told WHAV at the scene the fire in the home at 74 Silver St. began in the ceiling of a second-floor bedroom and extended into the attic. “The crews went up through the attic area, put the fire out, really kept the damage limited. We have water damage throughout the building right now unfortunately, but the house is in good shape,” O’Brien said.

Haverhill

Police, Fire, EMS Host Sixth Annual Haverhill Heroes and Helpers

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Dozens of area children in need may go holiday shopping for their families this year thanks to the city’s first responders. Saturday’s sixth annual Heroes and Helpers program raised $22,000, marking the program’s biggest year yet, according to Police Chief Robert P. Pistone. “We did a big posting two days ago on Facebook and as a result of that, we had numerous businesses reach out wondering how they could help out as well,” he told WHAV. He explained students are paired with first responders from the police and fire departments as well as Pridestar Trinity EMS and school adjustment counselors to shop for holiday gifts at Target

The program is coordinated by the department’s school resource officers, including Gillian Privitera and Milady Figueroa, who explained the planning and coordination involved with the event, including a pizza party hosted for students prior to their shopping trips. “We reach out to all of the school support staff, counselors, school administrators and we do a list, and we all collaborate, and they add the families that they know are in need,” Privitera said.

Education

Northern Essex Police Cadets Donate Toys To Boys and Girls Clubs for Third Year

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A partnership between Northern Essex Community College police cadets and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Haverhill and Lawrence will see more than 200 toys distributed to children in need this holiday season. Cadets in the Sixth Recruit Officer Course donated new toys, including basketballs, board games and puzzles for area kids. The event was coordinated by two student officers, Salem Police Department recruit Lexi Howard and Chelmsford Police Department recruit Carly Rose. This year marks the third year of the program, with more than 700 toys collected since its inception. Boys and Girls Club of Greater Haverhill Executive Director Javier Bristol called it “an exciting time of year” for the organization serving over 300 kids in greater Haverhill.

Haverhill

Haverhill Fire Department Receives $10,000 Donation From American Legion Post 4

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The Haverhill Fire Department on Saturday accepted a $10,000 donation from the American Legion to be used for community education. Senior Vice Commander Fred A. Simmons of the Sons of the American Legion was among those who presented the check, which represents proceeds the organization received from a raffle held earlier this year. Lt. Brian Ray, who is in charge of public education at the department, typically provides fire education to early elementary school students with money from the state. He said the money is expended “quickly,” and the additional funding will allow the department to reach more students in the city. “We’re really going to be able to reach out to more middle school and high school age kids, that way we can really teach foundational fire safety,” he said.

Community Spotlight

Methuen Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8349 Hosts Army vs. Navy Game Viewing Party

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The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8349 of Methuen is having an Army vs. Navy football game watch party this Saturday. It features a $10 buffet from Texas Roadhouse, raffles, door prizes and quarterly drawings for large-screen TVs. A cash bar will also be available. Tickets for the meal may be purchased in advance at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post or the Veterans Office in Methuen City Hall.