Crime

Judge Orders Haverhill Man to Serve Year in Prison, Repay $350K in Crypto Scheme

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A 29-year-old Haverhill man received a prison sentence Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Boston for fraudulently obtaining $350,000 in investor funds. Luciano Schipelliti was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to one year and one day in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release with six months of home confinement. He was also ordered to pay $350,000 restitution. As WHAV reported in March, Schipelliti agreed to plead guilty to wire fraud and did so the following month. According to U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley’s office, Schipelliti established, what he called, the Superstars Fund during the fall of 2018 and raised roughly $275,000 to invest in cryptocurrency.

Community Spotlight

Murder Mystery to Entertain Seniors

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Boston-based Delvena Theatre Company returns to Haverhill with its “Bon Voyage Forever!,” a madcap comic murder mystery set on a cruise ship. The play, which includes audience interaction, will be performed Thursday, Aug. 13, at 1 p.m., at Haverhill Citizens Center, 10 Welcome St., Haverhill. Three actors play multiple roles with the audience serving as super sleuths to help identify the murderer. Delvena Theatre Company was founded in 1992 and makes its home at the Boston Center for the Arts.

Education

Whittier Tech, GLTS, North Shore Win State Training Grants

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Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School last week graduated 90 students from its career technical initiative training and job placement program and will launch another round next summer after being awarded a new state grant of up to $826,300. Whittier Tech joined Greater Lawrence Regional Vocational Technical School and Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School and 21 others across the state in sharing $15.5 million in grants to train 1,636 individuals for careers in high-demand occupations within the skilled trades, construction and manufacturing sectors. “I couldn’t be prouder of what this cohort accomplished in just seven weeks,” said Whittier Tech Superintendent Maureen Lynch. “They didn’t just learn a trade, they built confidence, earned real credentials, and proved to themselves and their families that a new career path was within reach. Knowing we get to do this again next year with Round 11 makes this moment even sweeter.

Haverhill

Healey in Haverhill Today to Give Advice to Those Facing Trump MassHealth Terms

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Gov. Maura Healey is expected in Haverhill Tuesday to outline a sweeping plan to educate residents on their options as President Donald Trump’s approved law attempts to cut some residents’ health insurance benefits. Healey, Secretary of Health and Human Services Secretary Kiame Mahaniah, MassHealth Assistant Secretary Ryan Schwarz and area legislators say they plan to help MassHealth members “understand and navigate” new Medicaid work requirements imposed by Trump’s 2025 law. They are expected to announce a statewide outreach and education campaign during a press conference at Make It Haverhill, 59 Orchard St., Haverhill. The campaign will connect MassHealth members with information and one-on-one assistance to help eligible residents keep their health coverage. Besides Healey and cabinet officials, those expected in attendance are Sen. Pavel M. Payano, Reps.

Education

Public Meetings This Week: Officials Review Path Forward for Whittier Tech

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The public has opportunities to shape policy this week as various Haverhill boards meet. In the interest of transparency in government, WHAV provides this list of upcoming meetings every week on air and online. The next step towards bridging remaining differences between the 11 communities sending students to Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School Committee are likely to be heard Wednesday night. Members of the Whittier Tech School Committee are expected to vote on a feasibility study that would review options for repair or replacement of the more than 50-year-old old high school. An agreement on the study is a requirement of the Massachusetts School Building Authority.

Haverhill

Brand New, Affordable Home to Go to First Family that Qualifies

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The first family that qualifies by early next month can purchase an affordable, brand new three-bedroom home in Haverhill. Essex County Habitat for Humanity extended the application deadline for a “well-qualified family” to purchase the three-bedroom, two-bathroom home with garage at 41 Curtis St. As WHAV reported early last year, the approximately 1,200-square-foot unit is part of a duplex and will be sold for $245,000 or less. “This is a rare opportunity for someone who may have missed out before,” said Carol Susi, director of homeowner services at Essex County Habitat for Humanity. “A town employee or teacher could be a great fit for this home.

Haverhill

Flock Camera Controversy Comes Before Haverhill Councilors

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The growing controversy over the use of public surveillance cameras makes it way to the Haverhill City Council Tuesday night. The American Civil Liberties Union, among other critics, recently took aim at the cameras and one vendor, saying on its website, “If there are Flock cameras in your city, they are tracking, logging and sharing your movements without a warrant. But we’re not powerless. More and more communities are rejecting these creepy cameras—and yours can be one of them! Haverhill’s Acting Deputy Police Chief Meaghan Paré is scheduled to tell city councilors how the Haverhill Police Department is using the cameras’ license plate recognition.

Cannabis

The Details: Haverhill Voters to be the First Asked to Approve Retail Cannabis Lounges

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A first-in-the-state local ballot question will ask Haverhill voters this fall to approve on-site, commercial cannabis usage. The unusual ballot question, authorized under state cannabis statutes in recent years, would benefit local retailer, Stem of Haverhill, if city voters approve this fall. As WHAV first reported more than a year ago, Stem seeks to renovate its 124 Washington St. building to accommodate an on-site cannabis consumption lounge. Owner Caroline Pineau said Friday the city certified that at least 10% of voters signed the petition to place the question before voters in November.  During a recent appearance on WHAV’s morning program, Pineau explained why she chose to go directly to voters.