– Allison Goldsberry

A Charlestown man is facing charges after he allegedly pointed a fake gun at another motorist on Route 93 on Tuesday afternoon.

Police say a “road rage incident” occurred around 4:30 PM yesterday on the ramp from Route 93 north to Mystic Avenue in Somerville. A woman says another driver, Gary Pimentel, 20, pointed a gun at her, which turned out to be a replica firearm with its orange tip painted black. The woman called 911 and followed Pimentel in his Honda Accord until he was pulled over by Medford Police Officer Danny D’Amica.

Pimentel was arrested and booked by State Police in Medford. He is charged with disorderly conduct and assault with a dangerous weapon. He will be arraigned on Thursday in Somerville district court.

In recent days, the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office has received reports of a new round of arrest scam calls in which perpetrators are posing as members of the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office.

The recent round of calls varies slightly in nature, with some individuals reporting they were threatened with arrest for failure to pay a debt, while in others for failure to attend jury duty. In each case, the perpetrators indicated the only way to avoid arrest was to pay money.

“At no time will a legitimate member of law enforcement ever threaten arrest or demand payment for debt over the phone,” said Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian. “Nationwide, these scams have become more prevalent and they show no signs of abating.”

Due to the nature of these scams, it is often impossible to trace phone calls or identify suspects. For that reason, the IRS, local police departments and sheriff’s office across the country have tried to educate the public about their prevalence and ways residents can protect themselves. Earlier this year, the Better Business Bureau rated arrest scams as the number one scam of 2014 (http://goo.gl/RwCQUk).

Any individual who has received one of these calls and lost money is encouraged to immediately contact their local police department to report the incident. Investigation Unit at 978-932-3106.

– Submitted by Middlesex Sheriff Peter Koutoujian’s office

– Allison Goldsberry

A Medford man and a Medford police officer have both been indicted on charges in connection with a 2013 shooting in Stoneham that killed one man and injured another, according to information released by Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan. A Malden man, Eugene Tate, 21, was found guilty on murder, assault, and robbery charges.

The double shooting happened just after midnight on July 3, 2013. According to authorities, a 28-year-old victim had arranged to sell drugs to Jessie Williams, 26, of Medford and Tate. The man asked Joseph Puopolo, 27, to accompany him because he was concerned he would be ripped off. Williams and Tate are accused of entering the victim’s Stoneham home, drawing their guns, and demanding drugs and money before shooting Puopolo and the 28-year-old victim.

Puopolo suffered from gunshot wounds to his chest and wrist. He was later pronounced dead at Lahey Clinic. The other victim was shot in the stomach.

Witnesses and physical evidence led authorities to Williams and Tate, according to information released by DA Ryan’s office. After arrest warrants were issued, Williams was picked up in East Boston and Tate turned himself into Stoneham Police.

Medford Police Officer Miguel Lopez, 53, of Stoneham, was indicted on charges in connection with lying to investigators during a homicide investigation. Lopez was indicted by a Middlesex Grand Jury on two counts of witness intimidation. As part of the investigation, State Police interviewed Lopez, who lived in Stoneham with the 28-year-old victim. Authorities say Lopez lied to police during the interview and that he allegedly removed evidence from the home to cover up a reported drug deal that is believed to have led to the double shooting.

According to DA Ryan’s office, Tate was convicted of the first degree murder of Puopolo on November 23. The jury also found Tate guilty of armed robbery, armed assault in a dwelling and illegal possession of a firearm. Judge Kathe Tuttman will sentence Tate on November 30.

Williams is charged with murder, armed assault with intent to murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, armed robbery, assault in a dwelling and illegal possession of a firearm. His trial is scheduled to begin in January of 2016.

“I am proud to stand with Jane Doe, as I have for many years to highlight the important role men have as fathers, sons, brothers, friends and mentors in ending violence against women. I am honored to serve as Co-Chair of the 2016 White Ribbon Day Campaign because a man’s strength should be shown though his character and moral judgment, never through the use of force and violence.

This campaign is designed to focus on proactive, preventive efforts to end violence against women. It is about finding ways to engage young men and boys in constructive dialogue about what it means to be a man in today’s culture. And it is about instilling a value system that shows them healthy relationships – and healthy communities – are built on love and respect, not fear and intimidation.

I look forward to working with Jane Doe, my co-chair Thaddeus Miles and all of the White Ribbon Day Honorary Committee Members and Ambassadors as we seek to put an end to domestic and sexual violence against women here in the Commonwealth.”

– Submitted by Middlesex Sheriff Peter Koutoujian’s office

– Allison Goldsberry

On Friday afternoon Medford Police arrested a homeless man they say is allegedly responsible for an attempted bank robbery.

The incident took place around 3 PM at Eastern Bank on Locust Street. Michael Moran, 37, allegedly slid a note to a female teller demanding money while verbally commenting on her appearance. The teller gave Moran money and police say sexual comments he made to the teller made her feel threatened and uncomfortable.

“He did not show a weapon, nor did he make any indication that he had one,” said a statement from Medford Police Lt. Paul Covino. “However, when someone commits an act like this, it is implied that they have a weapon.”

Moran dropped cash as he left the bank and headed toward Riverside Avenue. Responding officers had a description as they conducted a search of the area. Officer Carl Brooks saw Moran walking on Riverside Avenue. Officer Brooks was able to apprehend Moran even though he attempted to flee and punch the officer.

Police say Moran had a “substantial” amount of money on him. He is charged with an unarmed robbery and witness intimidation.

State Representative Paul Donato (left) and Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian (right) attended the premiere of the HBO documentary Heroin: Cape Cod, USA Tuesday, December 15 in Boston.

A panel discussion featuring Governor Charlie Baker, Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders and filmmaker Steven Okazaki followed the screening.

– Submitted by Middlesex Sheriff Peter Koutoujian’s office

– Allison Goldsberry

Medford Police are searching for a suspect believed to have robbed a bank on New Year’s Eve.

According to information released by police, the incident took place at the Citizens Bank on Spring Street around 11:15 AM Thursday. The suspect passed a note to a teller demanding large bills and no dye packs. He was given money and fled out the back door toward Yeomans Avenue. No weapon was displayed during the robbery.

The suspect is a white male in his late twenties or early thirties, 5’6″ to 5’8″, with light beard growth. He was last seen wearing a white baseball hat, black rimmed glasses, a blue winter jacket with black markings on the arms, black pants, and black sneakers.

In addition to Medford Police, special agents from the FBI also responded to the scene. The investigation is on-going. Anyone with information is asked to call Medford Polce Detectives at 781-391-6767 or 781-395-1212. Anonymous tips can also be sent through the Tip 411 app by opening a text message, entering 847-411 in the “To” field, and then adding the keyword “Medford” along with the tip. Tips can also be submitted online here.

Mike Duggan shares experiences, work during “Monday Moments Speaker Series”

Wicked Sober founder Mike Duggan visited the Middlesex Jail & House of Correction December 14 as part of the new Monday Moments Speaker Series.

Duggan discussed his own battle with addiction with approximately 60 inmates as part of Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian’s new speaker series. The series, launched in October, is designed to provide inmates battling addiction an opportunity to hear families, careers and communities.

In addition to discussing his personal journey, Duggan also discussed the work and mission of Wicked Sober, which he founded to help others navigate the “process of achieving recovery.” Duggan is one of several Massachusetts residents in recovery highlighted in the Commonwealth’s State Without StigMA campaign.

“Choices in life can lead to consequences but consequences can lead to change,” said Duggan. “Learning from past mistakes and overcoming addictions can truly define our character when used as a tool to becoming a better person; a tool for success.”

“Mike’s experience is a powerful one and his story connected with many of those he spoke with at the House of Correction,” said Sheriff Koutoujian. “I want to thank him not only for participating in the Monday Moments Speaker Series, but also for all the work he is doing to help others on the road to recovery.”

– Submitted by Sheriff Peter Koutoujian’s office

Middlesex Sheriff Peter Koutoujian released the following statement on January 5, 2016 after President Barack Obama proposed measures to reduce gun violence through background checks and other actions.

“Each year, over 30,000 Americans die as a result of gun violence. With approximately 11,000 citizens murdered and nearly another 20,000 committing suicide by firearm, making our communities safer is not just a matter of public safety, it’s a matter of public health.

That’s why I commend President Obama for the commonsense measures he announced today to reduce gun violence by strengthening the background check system, tightening the gun show loophole and clarifying reporting responsibilities for lost and stolen weapons.

Additionally, I encourage Congress to support the President’s proposal to hire an additional 200 ATF agents and investigators to ensure gun laws are being enforced, as well as to invest $500 million in efforts to increase access to behavioral healthcare resources.”

– Submitted by Sheriff Koutoujian’s office

– YourArlington.com

Chief Frederick Ryan reports that the Arlington police are investigating a bomb threat made against Arlington Catholic High School

Arlington police responded to the school, on Medford Street, at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15, after the school reported that someone had phoned in a bomb threat, a department news release says.

The school was evacuated, and out of an abundance of caution, the nearby St. Agnes School was dismissed early.

The Arlington schools were among several schools across Massachusetts evacuated Jan. 15, or placed in safe mode as public safety agencies responded to bomb threats, BostonGlobe.com reported.

Also evacuated for bomb threats were Boston College High School in Dorchester, two public middle schools in Weymouth, the Abigail Adams and Maria Weston Chapman schools.

No one was injured. After a thorough search, officers determined at 3:30 p.m. that nothing harmful was inside the school.

The Cambridge Police Department and the Massachusetts Environmental Police also responded to the scene with K-9 units to assist Arlington Police.

Arlington Police are aware that other threats were made against Catholic and public schools elsewhere in Massachusetts today.

“At this time, we are actively investigating to determine what, if any, connection exists among various threats made against schools today,” Chief Ryan said. “We will work closely with our law enforcement partners and conduct a full and thorough investigation.”

Chief Ryan would also like to thank the students, faculty, staff, and parents of both schools for their patience and assistance today.

The incident is under investigation by the Arlington Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Bureau.

Emergency protocols were activated by school officials.

In Boston, the Boston police Bomb Squad rushed to BC High after the school received a threat, Officer Rachel Maguire, a police spokeswoman, told The Globe. She said the school received the bomb threat via a “telephone recording.”’

Students went into lock-down while the school was searched by police. The department’s specialized units remains on scene at the Dorchester school at 2:15 p.m., police said.

Students at Chapman and Adams middle schools, both part of Weymouth Public Schools, were relocated to neighboring schools, district superintendent Kenneth Salim said. Weymouth police and fire were at both schools, he said.

Officials are investigating the source and threat level of the calls, according to Salin.The incidents are under investigation by law enforcement.

FBI probes more than dozen cases in Mass.

– YourArlington.com

Photo courtesy Boston Globe

UPDATED: Arlington High School received threats on the morning of Tuesday, Jan. 19, and all those in the schools were sheltering-in-place for a time before students were later dismissed. :Later, the school reopened after the threats were found to be without substrance.

The FBI joined local law enforcement looking into bomb threats phoned to more than a dozen schools in eastern Massachusetts, including Arlington, Waltham, Swampscott, Weymouth, Plymouth, Taunton, Billerica, Newton, Kingston, Ayer, Groton, Tewksbury, Salisbury and Westford.

At 12:18 p.m., Arlington police tweeted: “Threats at Arlington High School are unfounded. Multiple unattended backpacks searched and cleared. Incident is still under investigation.”

Ten minutes later, Principal Matt Janger wrote: “AHS has been cleared by the police. Activities will resume after 2:30 pm.

This means that Athletics, Community Education, School Council, Instrumental Music and other after school activities may go on as scheduled.

“Advisors, Coaches, and other instructors may notify their participants of any changes in their own schedule as a result of the evacuation today.”

Earlier, Chief Fred Ryan told The Boston Globe that the school received a robocall telephone threat that someone would detonate a bomb inside the school and then shoot students as they fled.

Ryan told The Globe his officers, Cambridge police and school the threat-assessment arm of the NEMLEC law-enforcement consortium have surrounded the school and are monitoring the area as students go through a phased exit ordered by Superintendent Kathleen Bodie.

Ryan told The Globe that law enforcement concluded the threat had “low credibility” but that Bodie decided to shut down for the day given that the threat talked about targeting students.

In a follow-up message at 12:55 p.m., the principal wrote:

“Today the high school received a phone threat. We were one of a number of area schools to receive a similar phone call. We made the decision to shelter-in-place while we assessed the risk and then made a decision to evacuate the school. Police supervised the evacuation. We had busses available to take students to Town Hall, if necessary. By acting deliberately, we were able to coordinate our response and ensure the most safety for the students. Following the evacuation, the police inspected the building and found the area clear of threats.

“I want to thank our students for their calm cooperation during this evacuation. Our teachers made sure that the building was clear, before exiting. Thanks to the parent/guardian community for picking up your students off-campus and waiting to hear information through our alert system. Thanks to the police for their expertise and care in making sure that we handled this event safely.

“We take any threats seriously and act with caution to make sure that school is and feels safe. Please remember, that school is an extremely safe place for students. Incidents like this raise many fears for parents and students, but are rarely dangerous. If your student is upset or concerned, Guidance and Social Work staff will be available on Wednesday to meet with students who need support.”

Here is what occurred earlier:

Janger reported at 9:32 this morning: “While we do not feel there is a significant threat,” he wrote in an email, “given recent threats to many regional schools, we are working closely with the police to make sure that the school is orderly and safe.

“We will notify parents and the community using this alert system, if we feel it is necessary to dismiss students. In the meantime, please don’t drive onto campus, as we will need the space clear to supervise the students.”

Shiortly after 10 a.m., administrators dismissed students from AHS, Arlington police said on its twitter feed. “The threat is not thought to be credible but taking all precautions necessary,” it said.

In an 10:18 a.m. update, Janger wrote: “Please don’t drive onto campus, as we will need the space clear to supervise the students.

“Students who are not able to go home will be gathered in the Town Hall. ”

Chief Ryan reported Jan. 15 that the Arlington police are investigating a bomb threat made against Arlington Catholic High School

Arlington police responded to the school, on Medford Street, at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15, after the school reported that someone had phoned in a bomb threat, a department news release says.

The school was evacuated, and out of an abundance of caution, the nearby St. Agnes School was dismissed early.

The Arlington schools were among at least nine schools across Massachusetts evacuated Jan. 15, or placed in safe mode as public safety agencies responded to bomb threats, BostonGlobe.com reported.

Superintendent’s statement

John Guilfoil, who provides public relations for Arlington police, said in a statement for Bodie released at 4:45 p.m. Jan 19:
“Today, at 8:55 a.m., Arlington Public Schools received a call where threats were made to the safety of our students, faculty and staff.

“This threat appears to be part of a widespread issue that affected multiple school districts across the state over the past two weeks. Despite the fact that this was a widespread issue, we take these threats very seriously. Given the police presence and investigation, and out of an abundance of caution, we decided it would be in our best interest to release students, faculty and staff for the day. This also prevented students and staff from having to stand outside in the cold while police conducted a sweep of the building.

“After police cleared the scene at noon, we reopened the building at 2:30 p.m. for athletic activities, community education, and other school business.

“We take any and all threats seriously and have implemented policies and procedures to ensure that the school remains a safe place at all times. However, we recognize that incidents like this may upset students, so our guidance department will be available on Wednesday to meet with anyone in need.

“We apologize for the disruption this morning, but thank our students, faculty, staff, and families for their cooperation during the evacuation, teachers for ensuring the building was clear before exiting, parents and guardians for picking up your children and waiting to hear information through our alert system and police for working diligently to ensure the building was safe for all to return.”

Chief Frederick Ryan announces that the Arlington Police Department will host an Arlington Community Training and Support (Arlington A.C.T.S.) meeting on Vivitrol next week and invites opioid users and their family and friends to attend.

Vivitrol is the first and only once-monthly, nonaddictive, nonnarcotic medication proven to prevent relapse following detoxification.

The event will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 26 from 7-8 p.m. at Whittemore-Robbins House, 670R Massachusetts Ave.

Free doses of Narcan, along with training on how to administer it, will be available. Katherine Gorham from Square Medical Group of Watertown will also be in attendance as the guest speaker for the night.

“This is a great opportunity for residents who are struggling with addiction and looking to recover to learn about the life-saving drug Vivitrol that has been proven to prevent relapses,” Chief Ryan said. “We’re grateful that our partnership with Square Medical has allowed us to bring Ms. Gorham, who has direct experience with Vivitrol and treating individuals with opioid addiction, to this event.”

Gorham is board-certified Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. As a member of Square Medical Group she works in both Weymouth and Watertown as a nurse practitioner. At the Weymouth location, she runs two Suboxone groups. She also treats individuals with a range of mental health and/or addiction issues in collaboration with the primary care providers to ensure patients receive appropriate treatment with psychotropic medication. In the Watertown location, Gorham is involved in the process to create a comprehensive Vivitrol treatment program.

Previously, Gorham worked at a private practice in Salem, Mass. as a counselor and nurse practitioner interacting almost exclusively with individuals struggling with addiction. Alongside the late Dezra L. Kenney, a pioneer in the field of addiction for more than 20 years, she utilized a 12-step model, as well as individual and group therapy, medication management and Vivitrol to help patients achieve and maintain sobriety.

Arlington A.C.T.S. is a major component of The Arlington Outreach Initiative, the police department’s drug addiction program, and is geared toward providing support, information, and strategies for opioid users and their loved ones.

For more details on the Arlington A.C.T.S. meeting, visit the police department online.

The Arlington Outreach Initiative is inspired by the Gloucester Police Department ANGEL Initiative, created by Gloucester Police Chief Leonard Campanello. Gloucester’s Initiative allows people who suffer from addiction to turn over their remaining drug supply and paraphernalia to the Gloucester Police Department without the threat of arrest and then fast-tracks the participant into a treatment center.

– Submitted by the Arlington Police Department

– Allison Goldsberry

It has been three years since the shooting death of Shawn Clark at Patriot Skateboards at 804 Main Street in Malden.

On the anniversary of the crime, the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, Malden Police and State Police are once again asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspects involved in a fatal shooting in January.

“We remain determined to solve this murder,” said Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan. “Members of the public who may have seen or heard something on that day, or since then, may have a useful lead. Our investigators would be grateful for the public’s help in solving this crime in which an innocent man who served our country was gunned down at the store he owned.”

Clark, 39, was shot and killed on Tuesday, January 29 at Patriot Skateboards in Malden. Clark, the store owner, was killed in the middle of the afternoon on that day outside of the front door following a confrontation with two male suspects.

Police say they have devoted significant time and resources to the investigation but have made little progress. They are releasing surveillance photos (below) and video (view here) in an effort to identify two suspects allegedly involved in the shooting.

Authorities are asking the public to pay close attention to the “facial and bodily appearances of the suspects, their gait, and the clothing that they are wearing.” The suspects are said to be dark-skinned males with dark clothing. One suspect was armed with a gun. They fled on foot down Edmund Street in Malden following the incident.

Members of the public with information that they believe may be helpful to the investigation can contact Massachusetts State Police at 781-897-6600 or Malden Police at (781) 397-7171.

Courtesy photo

– Allison Goldsberry

A Boston man is facing drug charges following his apprehension and arrest by three local police departments.

According to a Medford Police press release, law enforcement caught up to Jurister Julio Guerrero, 36, of Jamaica Plain, on Thursday afternoon on Mystic Valley Parkway near Winthrop Street. Guerrero was pulled over while driving a seemingly unassuming Toyota Prius, which police later discovered was modified to hide drugs. The suspect’s arrest was the result of a two year, ongoing investigation, according to police.

Police searched Guerrero’s car at the police station. They say a specially created console concealed a “substantial amount” of drugs. The car’s center console was able to slide to the back of the car and served as a hiding spot. Police say “hides” like these are common among drug dealers and are used to conceal drugs, money, and weapons. Police seized over 30 grams of heroin and close to 180 grams of cocaine.

Guerrero is charged with trafficking of heroin and cocaine and driving with a suspended license.

Somerville Police detectives and Everett Police K9 assisted with the arrest.

– Allison Goldsberry

Medford Police are looking for a suspect accused of breaking into a restaurant and stealing some cash early Monday morning.

According to police, an unknown white male allegedly broke into Five Guys Burgers and Fries at Station Landing around 2:00 AM by forcing opening a door. Police say he got into the safe in the manager’s office and took an undetermined amount of cash.

Police released the above surveillance photo, which was taken from the store’s video system. Anyone with information can contact Medford Police Detective Mike Pellegrino at 781-391-6767. Tips can also be submitted online through the police website or sent via text message through the Tips 411 app.

– By Stephen Freker for the Medford Daily Mercury/Malden Evening News

The top national proponent of an “anti-swatting” bill in Congress herself was “swatted” late Monday night when Melrose police were called to the home of local U.S. Rep. Katherine Clark on a report of an “active shooter” and “shots fired”.

It was an unfortunate— and bizarre— case of “legislation in action” for the Congresswoman, who was home at the time, and members of her family, who were rousted from their home just after 10 o’clock Monday night when four Melrose Police officers showed up on her doorstep.

Rep. Clark represents the Fifth Middlesex District, which includes Melrose, Medford, Malden and a number of other surrounding communities.

Rep. Clark praised the actions of the Melrose Police, who first blocked off both ends of her street before continuing their on-site sweep, and also noted that this was just another case that hammered home the intent of federal legislation she co-authored and submitted just 10 weeks ago.

“My family and I are grateful to Chief Lyle and the Melrose Police Department for their timely and professional response,” Rep. Clark told the Malden Evening News and Medford Daily Mercury in a statement Tuesday.

According to a spokeperson for Rep. Clark, “…Hoaxes involving the manipulation of emergency response systems in order to provoke an armed police response – often a S.W.A.T. team – is commonly known as “swatting” and has become a popularized method of attacking unsuspecting private citizens including domestic violence survivors, journalists, public figures, and online gamers.”

Clark and co-sponsor, U.S. Rep. Patrick Meehan, R-Pa.. in mid-November introduced the Interstate Swatting Hoax Act. A bipartisan which would make it a federal crime to knowingly transmit false information to authorities with the intent of causing an emergency response from law enforcement, often including a S.W.A.T. team.

While federal law presently prohibits using the telecommunications system to falsely report a bomb threat hoax or a terrorist attack, falsely reporting other emergency situations is not currently a federal offense, though it does violate local laws.

“No mother should have to answer the door to the police in the middle of the night and fear for her family’s safety simply because an anonymous person disagrees with her,” Rep. Clark told the Malden Evening News and Medford Daily Mercury in a statement. I’m relieved that no one was hurt, but the sad reality is, these hoaxes known as “swatting” are a danger to victims, first responders, and our emergency preparedness.”

On Monday night at the time of the incident. Congresswoman Clark was at home in Melrose with her husband and two of her three sons.

According to an online report, when three Melrose police officers and a sergeant arrived, Rep. Clark went outside, assuming something was amiss at a neighbor’s house.

Rep. Clark, in an online report by The Boston Globe, said “she was alarmed to see cruisers blocking both ends of her street and officers “with long guns” on her front lawn.

In an online report, Rep. Clark said she believes the false report was pushback against Interstate Swatting Hoax Act.

Rep. Clark is her first full term as Congresswoman from the Fifth Middlesex District, having been elected, unopposed, to a two-year term in November, 2014. She was first elected, via special election, to fill the unexpired term of no U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, who was a former longtime local Congressman representing the Seventh Congressional District, now reconstituted as the Fifth Congressional District.

According to her spokesperson, Rep. Clark, a forceful advocate of curbing online abuses and severe online threats that disproportionately target women, has introduced a number of reforms to address online abuse Melrose Police Chief Michael Lyle said the investigation is ongoing into the incident.

As the 2016 tax season gets underway, Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian today echoed warnings by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to be on alert for scam attempts.

“While we have not seen a noticeable uptick in calls reported to us in recent weeks, we want residents to be on guard against attempts by scammers to separate them from their hard-earned money,” said Sheriff Koutoujian. “As tax season swings into high gear, it is likely the number of calls being received by local residents from individuals posing as IRS agents – or law enforcement officials collecting on behalf of the IRS – will increase.”

Over a two-year period beginning in October 2013, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) reported approximately 4,550 victims nationwide lost more than $23 million in these IRS scams.

In the most common form of the scam, perpetrators will identify themselves as either IRS agents or members of law enforcement. They will inform the person receiving the call that they have overdue taxes and will demand the bill be paid immediately either though a wire transfer or via a pre-paid debit card. In the event the person refuses to pay, the caller will often threaten arrest. And in some instances, the caller will spoof the telephone numbers of IRS offices or law enforcement agencies, making it appear as if the calls are coming from those entities.

“At no time will a real IRS agent or law enforcement official demand immediate payment or threaten arrest over the phone,” said Sheriff Koutoujian. “These are telltale signs of a scam.”

In an effort to add further legitimacy, the caller may touch upon information they have been able to glean from public sources including social media. This could include facts about employment or family, for instance.

Residents who receive scam calls may report them to the Federal Trade Commission or to TIGTA through its IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting web page (https://www.treasury.gov/tigta/contact_report_scam.shtml). Losses should also be immediately reported to your local police department.

– Submitted by Middlesex Sheriff Peter Koutoujian’s office

– Allison Goldsberry

Jessie Williams, 26, of Medford, was convicted of first-degree murder in connection with the 2013 shooting death of 27-year-old Joseph Puopolo, according to Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan. The jury also found Williams guilty of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, armed robbery, armed assault in a dwelling, and possession of a firearm without a license.

Judge Lawrence Pierce will sentence Williams on Thursday, March 10 at 2:00 p.m. in Middlesex Superior Court.

“Joseph Puopolo was a young man whose life was cut short because the defendant and his associate Eugene Tate turned an illegal drug deal into a violent and ultimately deadly altercation,” stated District Attorney Ryan. “Our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of Joseph Puopolo with today’s guilty verdict.”

Stoneham Chief of Police James McIntyre added, “I would like to thank the jury that returned a guilty verdict in this case. Williams and Tate are being held accountable for their violent actions that took the life of Mr. Puopolo. The professionalism of the police officers, detectives and assistant district attorneys in both of these cases allowed the juries to reach their decision.”

The double shooting happened just after midnight on July 3, 2013. According to authorities, a 28-year-old victim had arranged to sell drugs to Williams and Tate. The man asked Puopolo, then 27, to accompany him because he was concerned he would be ripped off. Williams and Tate are accused of entering the victim’s Stoneham home, drawing their guns, and demanding drugs and money before shooting Puopolo and the 28-year-old victim.

Puopolo suffered from gunshot wounds to his chest and wrist. He was later pronounced dead at Lahey Clinic. The other victim was shot in the stomach and survived.

Witnesses and physical evidence led authorities to Williams and Tate, according to information released by DA Ryan’s office. After arrest warrants were issued, Williams was picked up in East Boston and Tate turned himself into Stoneham Police.

Medford Police Officer Miguel Lopez, 53, of Stoneham, was indicted on charges in connection with lying to investigators during a homicide investigation. Lopez was indicted by a Middlesex Grand Jury on two counts of witness intimidation. As part of the investigation, State Police interviewed Lopez, who lived in Stoneham with the 28-year-old victim. Authorities say Lopez lied to police during the interview and that he allegedly removed evidence from the home to cover up a reported drug deal that is believed to have led to the double shooting.

According to DA Ryan’s office, Tate was convicted of the first degree murder of Puopolo on November 23. The jury also found Tate guilty of armed robbery, armed assault in a dwelling and illegal possession of a firearm.

Chief Frederick Ryan announces that the Arlington Police Department will host an Addiction Community Training and Support (A.C.T.S.) meeting with guest speaker Woody Giessmann from Right Turn recovery center next week.

The event will offer support, information and strategies for opioid users and their loved ones, and provide free doses of Narcan and training to attendees.

“Woody Giessmann will bring a unique insight on the challenges those struggling with the disease of addiction face on a daily basis, while providing resources for family and friends to help their loved ones recover,” Chief Ryan said. “We encourage residents to attend to obtain valuable resources and training surrounding addiction.”

The meeting is taking place Wednesday, Feb. 24 from 7-8 p.m. at the Arlington Youth Counseling Center, Whittemore Robbins House, 670R Massachusetts Ave.

– Submitted by Arlington PD

Thirty-one new corrections officers graduated from the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office Basic Training Academy in a ceremony held Wed., Feb. 24, at Arlington Town Hall. Ryan Athridge and Maurice Magras, Jr. of Medford were among the graduates.

Twenty-seven of the academy graduated joined the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office, while four joined the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office.

“Corrections officers play a vital role in ensuring the fair and impartial administration of justice,” said Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian. “But beyond that, they also play a key role in helping those who become incarcerated address underlying issues – including addiction and lack of education – which may have contributed to their criminal activity. Far too often the hard work, dedication and professionalism of these men and women go unnoticed. Graduations like this one provide us an opportunity to celebrate and share who we are and what we do.”

In addition to Sheriff Koutoujian, graduates also heard from Executive Office of Public Safety & Security Secretary Daniel Bennett, Norfolk Sheriff Michael Bellotti, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan, Carlisle Police Chief John Fisher and Arlington Police Chief Frederick Ryan, who offered the keynote address.

Those who graduated Thursday received 12 weeks of classroom and practical training focused on interpersonal
communications, corrections and criminal justice systems, transportation procedures, defensive tactics, firearms and first responder training, among other areas. Graduates had to successfully pass both classroom and physical fitness tests and also participated in on the job training.

The graduation program also featured a special ceremony during which several members of the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office were recognized by Sheriff Koutoujian and Chief Fisher for their actions during an off-duty incident on January 3.

Having left the Middlesex Jail and House of Correction at the conclusion of their shift, eight members of the office, including Officer Peter Gavin, were among a group of motorists who encountered a young woman from Carlisle who had parked her car and made her way around a fence to the edge of the highway overpass. Officer Gavin, utilizing his training and communication skills, engaged the woman in conversation and eventually helped talk her into coming back off the edge.

For his actions that afternoon in Billerica, Officer Gavin was presented with the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office Humanitarian Award.

The graduation marked the fifth during Sheriff Koutoujian’s four-plus year tenure, with 200 academy- trained officers joining the ranks of the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office in that time. Prior to 2012, the last academy was held in 2008.

– Submitted by Middlesex Sheriff Peter Koutoujian’s office