BOSTON – A Lawrence man was arrested today and charged with firearms and drug offenses. Miguel Mejia, 35, was indicted on one count of dealing in firearms without a license and one count of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 40 grams more of fentanyl. Following an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. […]
BOSTON – A Lawrence woman was sentenced today in connection with her involvement in a scheme to fraudulently obtain COVID-19-related unemployment assistance. Raquel Pena, 40, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young to three years in prison and one year of supervised release. Pena was also ordered to pay restitution for […]
Lawrence – For those who are grieving, navigating new rhythms of grocery shopping, preparing meals and dining without a beloved partner can cause added daily distress. Recognizing the deep connection between food and mourning, Merrimack Valley Hospice offers “Cooking and Eating for One” classes among its free, virtual support groups offered via the Zoom videoconferencing […]
The Greater Lawrence Community Action Council, Inc. is now accepting applications for food and rental assistance programs and is enrolling parents in two support groups. In addition, GLCAC will launch a new monthly show on Facebook Live to feature the services it offers and to answer viewer questions. Sign Up for SNAP at GLCAC The […]
Oct. 2021 Hello Valley Patriot Readers, The state Division of Professional Licensure (DPL) licenses and regulates more than 580,000 individuals, businesses, and schools to engage in over 150 trades and professions in Massachusetts, from plumbers and electricians to psychologists and optometrists. Its mission is supposed to be to protect the public through the establishment of […]
11/2/21 The question of whether or not Methuen should allow marijuana growing facilities to locate within the city was rejected by voters 2,266 to 1,681. Every single incumbent official was reelected. Only two races were challenged. Mayor Perry ran unopposed, as did East District Councilors Steve Saba and Eunice Zeigler. Central District Councilors Joel Faretra […]
Former At-Large City Councilor Brian DePena pulled an upset win over Acting Mayor Kendrys Vasquez in Lawrence on Tuesday. Unofficial Results Brian Depena 6,093 Kendrys 5,338 LIVE VIDEO OF DEPENA AT LAWRENCE CITY HALL Vasquez was appointed mayor by the city council after Mayor Dan Rivera abandoned the job to work for Republican Governor […]
Hero veteran Michael Downs has thrown his hat into the race for city council in Methuen’s West End. With both incumbents seeking reelection for a second term, Downs would have to unseat one of them on November 2nd to take a seat on the Methuen City Council. Downs is a former principal in the […]
10-25-21 Haverhill City Councilor and mayoral candidate Colin LePage says that he is under attack by Mayor Fiorentini and his supporters over parts of his background that he says “isn’t as nefarious as it looks.” A Valley Patriot investigation shows that LePage filed for bankruptcy in 2005, paid a $300 fine in 2008 for driving […]
Life vs. Liquor: The average Bay Stater would give up four years of their life to keep drinking alcohol, survey reveals. One-third would give up caffeine for life, if they can continue drinking alcohol. 30% admit they ignore studies warning about alcohol health risks. Infographic included. Science and Sobriety: There are many behaviors and habits we’ve developed […]
10-13-21 BOSTON – A Lawrence man was sentenced yesterday in connection with a scheme to defraud the U.S. Navy relating to glove liners purchased for use on nuclear submarines. HELP US HELP THE COMMUNITY Adrian Urena, 40, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to one year of probation. On March 24, 2021, […]
Defendant injected individuals with silicone oil, which can cause stroke, death or disfigurement 10-9-21 BOSTON – A North Andover woman was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for performing illegal silicone injections in exchange for money. Gladys Araceli Ceron, 73, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to two years in […]
Defendant allegedly robbed three convenience stores on Christmas Eve 10/8/21 BOSTON – A Dracut man was indicted today in federal court in Boston in connection with the armed robbery of three convenience stores in Lowell and Tewksbury on Dec. 24, 2020. Michael Vangpa, 32, was indicted on three counts of interfering with commerce by robbery […]
PDF of the October 2021 Valley Patriot Edition #216
9/30/21 BOSTON – A Dominican national was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for his involvement with a drug trafficking organization based in Lawrence. Leisy Baez-Zapata, 23, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to time served (approximately 26 months in prison). Baez-Zapata will be subject to deportation proceedings. On April […]