Medford Police are searching for at least one suspect involved in a home break-in on Jerome Street. In addition to the still photo above, police have posted a brief video of one of the suspects online. Anyone with information can call the police or tips can be submitted online through the police website or sent via text message through the Tips 411 app.
– InsideMedford.com
– Allison Goldsberry
Medford Police, Woburn Police, and the Drug Enforcement Agency arrested three men this week in connection with alleged drug deals in the area.
On March 24, Eric Gullage, 41, of Medford, and James Laureus, 36, of Everett, were both arrested after police observed them allegedly conduct an illegal transaction for oxycodone pills. Gullage was arrested in the afternoon on Ship Avenue while State Police helped nab Laureus on Route 93 South later in the day. Police say Laureus was in possession of “numerous” baggies of crack cocaine and oxycodone pills.
Gullage has been charged with distribution of oxycodone, subsequent offense and conspiracy to violate drug laws. Laureus is charged with distribution, conspiracy to violate drug laws, trafficking in cocaine over 36 grams, and possession with intent to distribute.
In conjunction with the investigation, a search warrant was executed at the Middlesex Avenue residence of Jason Conroy, 42, early Tuesday morning. Police seized over 200 oxycodone pills, illegal steroids, and more than $57,000 in cash believed to be from illegal drug sales.
Conroy has been charged with trafficking of oxycodone and possession with intent to distribute for the oxy and steroids.
“The Medford Police Department is committed to combatting the ongoing opioid epidemic and and it is especially important to partnership with the community as whole,” said Medford Police in a statement.
Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan and Mike Duggan from Wicked Sober issued an important call to action in response to a drastic increase in overdose deaths in Middlesex County. Since March 1, 2016 State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office have responded to over 33 fatal overdoses.
This year there has been a dangerous spike in deaths and non-fatal overdoses in Middlesex County. As of April 7, 2016 State Police Detectives have responded to 65 fatal overdose deaths, 45 of those have been attributed to heroin. In 2012, there were 65 total overdose deaths over the entire year.
Based on the combined data from the six largest private EMS Companies in the County, over the last 32 days they have administered 244 Narcan interventions. This is an average of 7.6 reversals a day. This conservative estimate gives a glimpse into the severity of the problem and is not necessarily inclusive of all Narcan doses administered by police, fire, or other reversals that may be administered by friends and family.
On the verge of this weekend, the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office and Wicked Sober are teaming up with law enforcement, partners in healthcare and service providers in the community to issue a call to action. Wicked Sober has agreed to increase their staff levels for this weekend and numerous community partners have agreed to make themselves available to provide resources for individuals suffering from addiction and for their loved ones.
Partner Agencies Include:
Massachusetts Bureau of Substance Abuse
Substance Abuse Helpline (800) 327-5050
Online: http://helpline-online.com/
FA- Families Anonymous
Telephone: 800-736-9805
Online: www.familiesanonymous.org
Learn to Cope
4 Court Street
Suite 110
Taunton, MA 02780
Telephone: 508-738-5148
Online: http://learn2cope.org/
Lowell House Inc.
555 Merrimack Street
Lowell, MA 01854
Telephone: 978-459-8656
Online: http://lowellhouseinc.org/
Middlesex Recovery
20 Tower Office Park
Woburn, MA 01801
Telephone: 781-305-5500
Online: middlesexrecovery.com
Wicked Sober
Telephone: 855-953-7627
Online: http://wickedsober.com/
As of April 7, 2016 there have been 65 deaths in Middlesex County to which State Police Detectives have responded. Of that, 45 have been attributed to heroin.
– In 2015, there were 185 deaths; 142 of those were from heroin.
– In 2014, there were 145 deaths; 103 of those were from heroin.
– Submitted by DA Ryan’s office
Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian announced applications are now available for youngsters interested in participating in the Sheriff’s 2016 Youth Public Safety Academy (YPSA).
Celebrating its 17th year, YPSA provides a safe, educational, low-cost summer camp option for Middlesex County youth.
“I am excited to once again be able to offer this program for youngsters from communities across the county,” said Sheriff Koutoujian. “Thanks to our tremendous staff and our public safety partners, YPSA provides a fun-filled and educational environment for children to learn about public safety and get to know not only our officers, but also the police officers and firefighters from their own communities.”
YPSA is open to children ages 9-11, with six one-week camps beginning on July 5. Transportation and lunch are provided for all participants.
To learn more about the YPSA program and fill out an online application, please visit http://www.middlesexsheriff.org/youth-public-safety-academy-ypsa.
– Submitted by Middlesex Sheriff Peter Koutoujian’s office
Medford Police and Medford Board of Health are hosting a “National Prescription Drug Take Back Day” on Saturday, April 30.
Items accepted include pills, tablets, capsules, cough medicine, creams/salves, and any other medications. This service is free and anonymous for residents.
Needles/syringes, medical devices (IV bags, home infusion items), thermometers, and medical instruments will not be accepted.
The event is for residential drop offs only and not for doctors’ or veterinarians’ offices.
The event is taking place at Medford City Hall rear parking lot from 10:00 AM-2:00 PM.
Medford also has a permanent prescription drug disposal unit Located at Medford Police Station, 100 Main Street. Prescription drugs can be disposed of there confidentially anytime.
– Information from Medford Police
An early morning car fire and bomb threats targeting several buildings put Tufts University on lockdown for several hours on Monday.
Hours after non-essential employees were sent home and students were asked to remain in their dorms, Tufts announced the targeted buildings were clear and the university was returning to limited operations, according to a statement on Tufts’ website.
The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Tufts University Police Department at 617-627-3030.
Tufts’ student newspaper, the Tufts Daily, has more details about the incident and photos of the car fire, which took place outside of the school’s health services building and belonged to an employee.
Both Medford and Somerville police and fire departments responded to the scene.
“We are shocked by this morning’s events and want to know exactly what happened. An investigation is underway into the facts and circumstances of the car fire and threats, including whether they are related,” said Tufts President Anthony Monaco in a statement to the Tufts community on Monday night. “We appreciate the dedication and professionalism of the Tufts University Police Department, and the support and collaboration of their colleagues in many area agencies including the Somerville and Medford Police and Fire Departments. We will continue to keep the community informed as we learn and are able to share more information going forward.”
“We also want to make certain that our university community and our neighbors are safe. Accordingly, we are already working to ensure that campus activities and events between now and the end of the academic year are secure for all participants,” said Monaco. “I am grateful to the members of the university community and our neighbors in Somerville and Medford for their flexibility and patience during today’s extraordinary circumstances.”
Tufts students are currently taking final exams, some of which have been postponed due to the incident. The school’s commencement is taking place May 22.
– InsideMedford.com
– Allison Goldsberry
A Medford woman pled guilty this week to stealing $1.4 million from an elderly woman over an eight year period, according to information released by Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan’s office.
Linda Marie Medeiros, 52, pled guilty in Middlesex Superior Court to six counts of larceny over $250 from a person over sixty. She was sentenced to three to four years in MCI Framingham followed by ten years of probation. She was also ordered to pay full restitution to the victim.
Medeiros worked as a book-keeper for the victim and starting stealing money in April 2007, according to the DA. Medeiros took blank checks that were supposed to be used for routine expenses, added her own name as the payee, and deposited them into her bank account.
Medeiros spent the money on cruises, frequent foreign vacations, and a luxury car.
“This case is a reminder that, although there is always a concern about being a victim of a random scam, those close to us can also be financially exploiting us, and we must all remain vigilant and monitor our financial transactions. If something seems amiss, you should immediately alert authorities,” said District Attorney Ryan.
This incident was investigated by Detectives Ian Spencer and Lt. Sean Kennedy of the Lincoln Police Department and by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.
– Allison Goldsberry
An Auburn Police Officer who was killed during a traffic stop this weekend is the son of a retired Medford police officer.
Robert Tarentino, Jr., 42, is the son of retired officer Ronald Tarentino and the nephew of current Medford Police officer Lawrence James.
The suspect, Jorge Zambrano, was killed during a standoff with police at an Oxford home on Sunday night, according to published reports.
Tarentino leaves behind a wife and three children. Tarentino had been with the Auburn Police Department for two years. He previously worked as an officer with Leicester Police.
A fund has been set up in the memory of slain Auburn Police Officer Ronald Tarentino that will benefit his wife and three children.
Tarentino was shot and killed by Jorge Zambrano, 35, during a traffic stop early Sunday morning in Auburn, officials said. Officer Tarentino is the son of recently retired Medford Police Officer Ronald Tarentino, Sr. and the nephew of current Medford Police Officer Lawrence James.
Zambrano was shot and killed Sunday evening after exchanging gunfire with police and wounding a state trooper. The trooper underwent surgery and is expected to survive.
To make a donation to the fund:
Officer Ronald Tarentino Jr. Memorial Fund
C/O Savers Bank
38 Auburn Street
Auburn, MA 01501
– InsideMedford.com
– Allison Goldsberry
Medford Police are warning residents about phone scams that have recently been reported in the area.
In one scam the caller poses as an IRS agent and tells victims they owe money and will be audited or even arrested. The caller claims the victim must transfer money to a “Green Dot Money Pak” or another similar card, and then give the card number to the caller.
Police say the IRS doesn’t “place these types of calls requesting money in this manner.” The IRS will also never ask for a Social Security number over the phone.
In another phone scam the caller claims to be a family member, usually a grandson or nephew, in distress. The caller lies about being in an accident or foreign jail and tries to ask engage in a conversation that will get the victim to reveal personal details and family names. These tactics can confuse the victim and give the caller enough information to pretend to be a relative.
Police say victims should ask the caller to identify other family members, which will likely result in the caller hanging up the phone.
Police are urging would-be victims to never commit to sending money to anyone based on a phone call.
Victims have reported these scams to police this week and many have likely gone unreported. Anyone who has questions or wants to report a phone scam can call the Medford Police Department at 781-395-1212.
– Allison Goldsberry
A Metro-PCS employee is under arrest and faces charges in connection with an alleged armed robbery of his store.
Police say Vasilios Vintos, 25, of Medford, entered his place of employment in a disguise and held his fellow employees at knife point while demanding money. The incident took place around 4:00 PM in the afternoon on June 6 at the Metro-PCS store on Main Street.
Vintos is alleged to have entered the cell phone store wearing tan shorts, a camouflaged hooded jacket, and a bandana over his face. According to police, he brandished a knife at his fellow employees and held a knife to one of them. He asked them to get money from the cash register and from a safe in the back of the store.
The first police officer to respond to the scene gathered vital evidence that eventually led detectives to determine Vintos was the suspect. Police also say Vintos had an accomplish and more arrests are expected in the near future.
Vintos is charged with armed robbery while masked, conspiracy, and witness intimidation.
– Allison Goldsberry
Medford Police are seeking a suspect in connection with an armed robbery of a convenience store.
The incident happened around 1:00 PM on June 8 at the Spring Street Superette. Police say the suspect was a white male wearing a black hat, mask, a blue short sleeve short with what might have been a Patriots logo, and dark colored shorts. He pointed a large knife with metal knuckles at a clerk and demanded money from the register.
The suspect fled the scene in a light-colored four door car from Magoun Avenue.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Medford Police at 781-395-1212 or the detectives at 781-391-6765.
Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian and Medford Police Chief Leo Sacco will meet with local seniors on Tuesday, June 21, at the Medford Senior Center to discuss ways residents can protect themselves from existing and emerging scams.
The event is taking place at 1:00 pm at 101 Riverside Avenue.
The presentation is part of the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office L.E.A.R.N. (Law Enforcement And Residents Networking) Program. The L.E.A.R.N. program is focused on educating and informing the public through collaboration with local and regional law enforcement agencies. The events include a formal presentation and opportunities for community members to engage in dialogue around public safety matters.
– Submitted by Sheriff Koutoujian’s office
Event will feature car seat inspections and installations, an opportunity to explore emergency vehicles and summer safety resources
Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan, Hallmark Health System, Stone Zoo New England and The North Suburban Child and Family Resource Network will host a summer safety event at the Stone Zoo to provide summer safety resources and information to visitors. The first 150 attendees of the event will receive a coupon for one free child admission to the Stone Zoo with a paying adult.
Visitors can bring a new car seat to be installed or have a previously installed car seat inspected for safety.
It will be an opportunity to explore emergency vehicles including fire trucks, ambulances and police cruisers provided by Stoneham Police and Fire, MA State Police, and Action Ambulance Service.
There will also be a Summer Safety Resource Booth with information on how to stay safe during the summer months.
The event is taking place 9:00 am to noon.
– Submitted by DA Ryan’s office
Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian and Medford Police Chief Leo Sacco met with seniors at the Medford Senior Center on Tuesday, June 21, to discuss new and emerging scams targeting residents of all ages.
The event, hosted by the Medford Council on Aging, was part of the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office L.E.A.R.N. (Law Enforcement And Residents Networking) Program. The L.E.A.R.N. Program focuses on educating and informing the public through collaboration, and engaging community members in dialogue around public safety matters.
“Those who would steal our hard-earned money are becoming more advanced in their methods,” warned Sheriff Koutoujian, “It used to be scams focused on false promises of riches. Now they focus on intimidation and threats. No one, most especially our seniors, should be subject to this type of harassment.”
“I am so pleased to be part of this important initiative,” said Medford Mayor Stephanie Muccini Burke, who also participated in the program. “Our seniors are a vital part of our community and their safety and wellbeing are something that is very important to us all.”
“Crime is crime. We have to be diligent when fighting all crime. Our seniors deserve all our attention in helping to fight senior scams,” said Chief Sacco.
Intimidation-based scams are on the rise in Middlesex County and throughout the country. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received 269,422 complaints in 2014, with victims reporting over $800 million dollars in losses. In Massachusetts – according to IC3 – exactly 1,000 seniors filed scam complaints in 2014. Their reported losses totaled over $1.5 million dollars, or $1,500 per senior.
“This is an area where we must all be vigilant,” said Sheriff Koutoujian, “Unfortunately, a scammer can make 100 calls a day and only needs to be successful once to make his payday. Citizens have to be successful every single time in order to avoid a significant loss.”
– Submitted by Sheriff Koutoujian’s office
– Allison Goldsberry
Medford Police issued a robo-call on Monday afternoon to warn residents about recent house break-ins.
According to police, several house break-ins happened on on Governors Avenue, Sherwood Road, Jeremiah Circle, High Street, and Grove Street. The incidents happened on Friday and Saturday.
The alleged thieves broke in by forcing open the front door or entering through a basement window. Jewelry was stolen in most of the cases, said police.
Police are warning residents to be “vigilant and aware” of “any suspicious people or vehicles in the area.” They encourage residents to contact police at 781-395-1212 if they see anything suspicious. Anyone with information about the recent house break-ins can call the Medford Police Detectives at 781-393-4765.
James Scoville, 31 of Chelmsford was arraigned June 28 in Somerville District Court on charges of motor vehicle homicide while operating under the influence of liquor, operating under the influence of liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, a marked lanes violation and obstructing a stationary emergency vehicle in connection with the fatal crash that occurred early in the morning on Route 93 northbound in Medford.
The crash resulted in the death of Hi-Way Safety Systems Worker Thomas O’Day, 52, of East Bridgewater. A second company worker, a 33-year-old Taunton man also sustained minor injuries in the crash.
Judge Maurice Flynn ordered the defendant held on $2,500 bail and ordered the defendant not to drive, not to consume alcohol and to submit to alcohol screens. Scoville’s driver’s license has been suspended as an immediate threat to the public.
The next scheduled hearing in this case is August 2, 2016.
– Submitted by DA Ryan’s office
Sanctuary United Church of Christ is hosting a community opportunity to “Watch Together” the President and the People: A National Conversation on Race and Policing.
We are encouraging folk to watch at home with their families, or gather neighbors or come together at Sanctuary for safe space to watch together and talk afterward.
All are welcome.
The community watch is taking place at 8:00 PM on Thursday, July 14 at 458 High Street, Medford.
– Information from Rev. Wendy Miller Olapade, Pastor, Sanctuary UCC
A pick-up truck crashed into a Salem Street barber shop on Monday afternoon, according to a witness. No serious injuries are reported and it’s unclear what caused the accident. Traffic is delayed on Salem Street due to the crash. Courtesy photos.
– InsideMedford.com
Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian today discussed the issue of mental health and incarceration at a White House Forum on Disability and Criminal Justice.
Sheriff Koutoujian joined officials from President Obama’s administration, the Center for American Progress and the American Civil Liberties Union for the first of two panel discussions.
“I was honored to participate in today’s important discussion focused on those in the criminal justice system with disabilities,” said Sheriff Koutoujian. “Today, at the Middlesex Jail & House of Correction, one-third of all those in our custody are being monitored by mental health staff. We have become a de facto mental health facility and any meaningful dialogue around criminal justice reform must include the voices of corrections professionals, as well as a focus on behavioral health.”
Sheriff Koutoujian discussed not only treatment behind the walls for individuals with mental illness, but the need for expanded pretrial diversion and continuity of care for those leaving custody, focusing specifically on the utilization of health insurance as a tool to reduce recidivism.
“Under President Obama’s leadership, the passage and implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has opened new doors to treatment for many of those in our custody,” said Sheriff Koutoujian.
The White House Forum on Disability and Criminal Justice White House Forum on Disability and Criminal Justice was opened by Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor and Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Engagement. It also included remarks from representatives Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law and the Department of Justice, among others.
The forum at the White House was the second in just over a month at which Sheriff Koutoujian was invited to present, and the third White House event he has participated in since October. In June, the Sheriff discussed the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office Medication Assisted Treatment and Directed Opioid Recovery (MATADOR) Program at a meeting hosted by the Office of National Drug Control Policy.
MATADOR is designed to assist those battling opioid addiction. The Sheriff also visited the White House last October as part of the launch of Law Enforcement Leaders to Reduce Crime and Incarceration, of which he is a founding member.
– Submitted by Sheriff Koutoujian’s office