Crime

Pair Facing Charges in Haverhill Mill Fire Due in Court Sept. 2

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Isabella A. Sargent and Bianca Leonhart, two of three teens charged with setting fire to a vacant mill complex on Stevens Street, are due back in Haverhill District Court early in September for a probable cause hearing. In the meantime, both have been released from home confinement. Leonhart, who lives in New Jersey, was released on personal recognizance by Haverhill District Court Judge Cesar A. Archilla Wednesday, July 8. A week later, Sargent was released by Archilla from home confinement and placed on a nighttime curfew, from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m., according to a clerk at the Haverhill District Court. The third teen’s case is being heard in Essex County Juvenile Court because she was under 18 at the time of her arrest, according to Michael Keefe-Feldman, a spokesman for the Essex County District Attorney’s office.

Crime

Haverhill Police Allege Man Hit Another with Iron Pipe, Causing Serious Harm

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A 33-year-old Haverhill man is being held after he allegedly assaulted another man with a pipe Sunday night in front of a café geared to low-income and homeless residents. Diego Javier Gomez, of 67 Washington St., Haverhill, was arrested by Haverhill Police on a charge of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily harm. He was ordered held at the Essex House of Correction in Middleton following his arraignment before Judge Susan H. McNeil Monday in Haverhill District Court. According to a police report, Gomez allegedly attacked Pepe Simpson with an iron pipe during an argument Sunday, July 12, around 6:30 p.m., outside Common Ground Café, 194 Winter St., Haverhill. Police were called to the café where they said they found Simpson bleeding profusely from a head wound.

Crime

Judge Sends Man, 23, to Prison for Role in Methuen-Based Drug Group

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A 23-year-old, called a part of a Methuen-based group, trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine in the Seacoast area, was recently sentenced to two and a half years in prison. Juan De Los Santos Romero was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Court Judge Samantha Elliott to 30 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl. New Hampshire U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan said De Los Santos Romero will be deported to the Dominican Republic upon completion of his prison sentence. Four others, Jose Luis Guerrero Nunez, Carlos Alejandro Chevalier Santos, Eddy Mendez Carmona, and Luis Guerrero Cabral, also previously pleaded guilty. De Los Santos Romero was responsible for at least four controlled drug purchases with an undercover U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agent.

Crime

Drug and Gun Seizures Bring Haverhill, Methuen and Lawrence Arrests

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Haverhill, Methuen and Lawrence residents were among seven arrested last week after searches in 16 locations found drugs, guns and ammunition. The sweep, dubbed “Operation Lights Out,” led by the Massachusetts attorney general’s office’s State Police Detective Unit and supported by local police departments and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, seized about 3,800 grams of fentanyl, 385 grams of methamphetamine, 200 grams of cocaine, four firearms with large capacity magazines, 100 rounds of ammunition and $100,000 cash. Those arrested were Natalie Zorrilla, 22, of Methuen; Soraya Agramonte, 42, of Haverhill; Andry Soto Santana, 27, Victor Echavarria, 25, Yessica Guerrero de la Rosa, 27, and Jesus Vidal, 27, all of Lawrence; and Manuel Pena, 43, of Boston. Three others facing charges who were already in custody are Yenciel Soto, 18, and Iran Soto Custodio, 30, both of Lawrence, and Felix Agramonte, 24, of Methuen.

Crime

Haverhill Police Make Arrests, Issue Citations During Crackdown on Illegal Dirt Bikes, Etc.

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Haverhill Police arrested a number of people, and cited others, Wednesday night for various driving offenses during a citywide crackdown on illegal use of dirt bikes, e-bikes, scooters and other motorized vehicles. A 20-year-old was among those charged after allegedly placing a child in danger while riding a motorcycle. Luis Torres-Reyes, of 44 North Street, Haverhill, was arrested at 1:42 p.m., on White Street, and charged with negligent operation of a motor vehicle, disorderly conduct, unlicensed driving, driving an unregistered motor vehicle, driving an uninsured motor vehicle and reckless endangerment of a child. “The Haverhill Police Department remains committed to keeping our roadways, neighborhoods, and public spaces safe for all travelers. Similar enforcement details will continue on a random basis to educate operators and ensure compliance with state laws.” Police said in a social media post.

Crime

North Andover Man Faces State and Federal Charges After Alleged Drug Store Robbery

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A 45-year-old North Andover man was charged last week in federal court for being a felon in possession of a gun he allegedly using to rob a Danvers pharmacy last month of prescription drugs

Gareth Francis was first arrested on state charges after running from a CVS Pharmacy in Danvers. He was charged with robbery interfering with interstate commerce and being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to prosecutors, Francis allegedly entered the store May 11, around 8 p.m., wearing a ski mask and carrying a black plastic bag and a gun. They say he allegedly turned and pointed his gun at a pharmacy technician standing at the register before climbing over the counter. Francis allegedly then made it to a back counter, telling another pharmacist to “open the [narcotics] safe now or I’ll shoot you,” as he pointed a gun at her.

Crime

Haverhill Man, 20, Faces Attempted Murder Charge After Alleged June 15 Shooting

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A 20-year-old Haverhill man was arraigned Monday for the alleged attempted murder of another man during a reported shooting a week ago on Arch Street. Edward Mattas Espin-Maisonet, whom police say is a member of the Gangster Disciples gang, was arraigned Monday on charges of attempted murder, assault and battery with a firearm, carrying a firearm without a license and conspiracy.  While there were unconfirmed reports of a shooting last week on Arch Street, Espin-Maisonet was not found and arrested until Thursday, June 18, just before 5 p.m., and his name appeared on a log WHAV received Friday. Details were not available, however, as Haverhill District Court was closed due to the Juneteenth holiday. There were no obvious indications of a shooting on the police incident log June 15.

Crime

Former Haverhill Man, 56, Pleads Guilty to Taking Deceased Woman’s Benefits

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A former Haverhill man pleaded guilty last week in federal court in Boston to receiving stolen Social Security disability benefits over a period of more than five years. Christopher D. Leon pleaded guilty to receiving stolen government money or property. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for Sept. 23. Leon was charged in May and pleaded guilty June 10.