8/4/23 Boston, MA – Seven members of the State Police Association of Massachusetts who were previously suspended and an additional Trooper who had returned to duty after seeking a religious exemption to the Commonwealth’s vaccine mandate have prevailed in an extended legal battle with the Commonwealth and Department of the State Police. An independent arbitrator has found […]
Aug. 4, 2023 [updated] The Massachusetts Civil Service Commission has ruled that fired Methuen police Captain Greg Gallant must be returned to duty and given three years back pay after being illegally fired by Methuen Mayor Neil Perry. FULL RULING HERE Gallant v. Methuen, CS-22-388 Gallant was officially fired on June 9, 2022 after being put […]
July 24, 2023 BOSTON – A Lawrence man has pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to his role in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy. Eddy Reyes Tejada, 51 pleaded guilty on July 20, 2023 to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl; one […]
7/24/23 The Domestic Violence coordinator for The City of Lawrence Police Department is under investigation by the city for filing an application for a $50,000 federal grant (through the city) for a non-profit she created, called “My Lifeline, Inc.”. Belgica (Lynette) Perez represented false information on her application to the state, city, and federal government […]
Multiple law enforcement agencies were involved in a raid in Lawrence that resulted in the arrest of two people in early Wednesday. Law enforcement recovered over 16 pounds of suspected fentanyl and methamphetamine pills, plus two guns, Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker and Lawrence Police Capt. Michael McCarthy announced today. Vincent Cahalane, 36, […]
By: State Rep. Francisco Paulino – 7/23 As your State Representative, my primary aim is to enhance the lives of Massachusetts residents. To that end, our legislative team has been focusing on three key areas: public safety, equity, and the significant issue of student loan debt. Starting with public safety, we’ve made strides to enhance […]
Solomon allegedly caused changes to CBA that would increase his salary and provided unwarranted benefits to five intermittent police officers, including one who was a City Councilor 7-6-23 The State Ethics Commission’s Enforcement Division has issued an Order to Show Cause alleging former City of Methuen Police Chief Joseph Solomon violated the conflict of interest […]
6-30-23 Lawrence Police Chief Roy Vasque has signed an agreement with the City of Lawrence to not return to duty and retire from the City of Lawrence after being put on leave by Mayor Brian DePena. According to sources, Vasque will be paid approximately $780,000 which includes about $300,000 in accrued sick and vacation time […]
May 31, 2023 A Lawrence man pleaded guilty to manslaughter Wednesday for a 2020 shooting on Newton St. that left one man dead and two others wounded, Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker announced. Hector Baez, 25, was sentenced to 22-to-26 years in prison, 18-to-20 years on the manslaughter charge followed by another four-to-six […]
MIDDLETON, Mass. — Essex County Sheriff Kevin F. Coppinger has released the 2022 Annual Report for the Essex County Sheriff’s Department highlighting its “Partnering to Serve.” The report takes an in-depth look at each of the Sheriff’s Department’s facilities, its programs, and it spending to provide Essex County residents a data-driven accounting of the agency’s […]
5-17-23 A grand jury sitting Wednesday in Salem Superior Court returned the indictment against Lee Harvey, 30, of Roslindale for allegedly shooting and killing 32-year-old Jose Delacruz. Delacruz was fatally wounded early on March 27, 2022, outside a Bank of America ATM near 257 Essex St., Lawrence. Harvey also was indicted for carrying a firearm, carrying […]
Each year the Valley Patriot gives out an Officer Tom Duggan, Sr. Hero Police Officer Award in honor of the former Lawrence Police Officer who was murdered in the line of duty in 1990. This year Methuen Sgt. Eric Deleon nominated Officers Schiavone and Keating to be recognized for their bravery, courage, and ability to […]
Retired Lawrence Firefighter Mike Delaney Sr. thought he was coming to the Valley Patriot’s BASH to surprise his son with an Officer Tom Duggan Hero Public Safety Award. But the surprise was on him when it was announced that he had been tricked. “I know you think you are here to surprise your son with […]
Leading Community Development and Small Businesses By: MA State Senator Pavel Payano 3-23 This month, I would like to draw attention to a pressing issue regarding over-the-counter medication and introduce a bill that was filed this session to address it: S.1106, An Act specifying an electronic system to ensure that sales of certain products containing […]
5-1-23 A Lawrence man was arrested Friday after authorities executed a search warrant and found drugs and ammunition in a city apartment, according to Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker. Samuel Guzman Jr., 23, was charged with one count of trafficking fentanyl (100+ grams) and possession of ammunition without a Firearms Identification Card. He […]