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NEW BEDFORD — Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School staff said they are committed to giving students the tools they need to

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DA Quinn Announces Conviction/Sentencing of Woman Who Stole $75,000 From Elderly Neighbor

Press Release March 5, 2015

Bristol County District Attorney's Office Thomas M. Quinn District Attorney

For Immediate Release:

Bristol County District Attorney Tom Quinn announced today that a Taunton woman who stole around $75,000 from her elderly neighbor over the course of approximately two years was convicted of multiple charges Wednesday in Fall River Superior Court.

Julie Krajewski, 41, of 35 Kilmer, Taunton, pleaded guilty yesterday to charge of larceny over $250 by single scheme, two counts of forgery and two counts of uttering.

Ms. Krajewski, on numerous occasions between 2011 and 2013 was welcomed inside her elderly neighbor's home to assist the neighbor with daily activities. The victim, who is now 90 years old, kept her checkbook in a kitchen drawer, and unbeknownst to her, the defendant had routinely been taking checks out of order to conceal her crimes and writing them out to herself. During the two year period, Ms. Krajewski fraudulently wrote herself several checks, cashing them at Webster Bank and Bristol County Savings Bank in Taunton.

The defendant decided to plead guilty to the charges Wednesday as part of an unagreed plea, meaning lawyers on both sides did not agree on the potential sentence she would receive. Citing her lack of criminal record, Ms. Krajewski's defense attorney asked for no jail time, and instead recommended a probation sentence with restitution.

Assistant District Attorney Jennifer St. Laurent Sowa, however, argued for a one to four year state prison sentence, along with probation and restitution.

Superior Court Judge Rene Dupuis eventually sentenced Ms. Krajewski to serve two-and-a-half years in the Bristol County House of Corrections. She also placed Ms. Krajewski on 10 years probation and ordered her to begin paying restitution to the victim on a weekly basis.

"Our office strongly believes anyone who preys upon and victimize the elderly must face severe consequences. This victim saved up money her entire life in order to comfortably enjoy her senior years and placed trust in the defendant, by allowing her inside of her home. To manipulate that trust in order to rob her of her money is unconscionable and reprehensible," District Attorney Quinn said.  "This office will continue to argue for harsh penalties for anyone convicted of committing crimes against our most vulnerable citizens, whether they be children, the elderly or the handicapped."

Contact: Gregg Miliote Director of Communications 508-997-0711 774-292-9576--after hours

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Fall River Repeat Armed Robber Sentenced

Press Release March 5, 2015

Bristol County District Attorney's Office Thomas M. Quinn District Attorney

For Immediate Release:

Bristol County District Attorney Tom Quinn announced today that a Fall River man was convicted of a repeat armed robbery Wednesday in Fall River Superior Court and was sentenced to serve no less than six years in state prison.

Justin Cruz, 29, of 218 Plain Street, pleaded guilty Wednesday to a armed robbery indictment connected a December 5, 2014 incident in Fall River. On that date, the defendant, while armed with a knife, robbed a man of his money and cell phone near the corner of June and Locust Streets. The defendant then forced the victim to drive to two other ATMS in the city to obtain more cash.

After the robbery, the victim was quickly able to flag down Fall River Police Officer William Martel for assistance and to report the crime. The defendant was arrested without incident on that same date.

Mr. Cruz had previously been convicted of armed robbery in 2009 after committing a separate street robbery. He was sentenced to serve 3 to 5 years in prison in that case.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jennifer St. Laurent Sowa, who is District Attorney Quinn's newly appointed Deputy Chief of the Superior Court.

Contact: Gregg Miliote Director of Communications 508-997-0711 774-292-9576--after hours

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DA Quinn's Office to Visit All Bristol County High Schools as Part of Anti-Teen Dating Violence Initiative

Press Release March 4, 2015

Bristol County District Attorney's Office Thomas M. Quinn District Attorney

For Immediate Release:

Bristol County District Attorney Tom Quinn’s Office is embarking upon a county-wide outreach effort to help address teen dating violence. Representatives from the office will visit every public and private high school in Bristol County this week to distribute a new dating violence prevention brochure to each of the school’s guidance offices.  There are 33 public high schools and 11 private high schools in the county; staff will visit all 44 locations.

Statistics from Jane Doe Inc. demonstrate that one in three teens report experiencing at least some form of abuse in a dating relationship. This may include verbal/emotional, physical, sexual, and/or financial abuse.  With a growing reliance on technology to socialize and communicate, technology (cell phones, internet, and social media) often enhances the level of abuse in a relationship. This is especially common among teens.

The brochure being distributed is entitled: "Teens, Technology, and Dating Violence." The literature aims to educate students on how technology is increasingly being used as a tool for dating abuse.

The use of technology to abuse a partner may include excessive calling and texting, public harassment online; sexting or threatening to expose a secret or nude photo; prying through phone calls or text messages; tracking one’s whereabouts; and internet stalking. The brochure, created by the District Attorney’s Office, defines these tactics and teaches students to recognize such behaviors as unhealthy and as warning signs for further abuse.

In addition to the brochures, schools will receive a list of educational services and programs that are offered by the District Attorney’s Office.  This includes panel speakers, assembly-style school presentations, educational seminars, and trainings for teachers and school staff. In addition, the office will assist those who wish to implement the White Ribbon Campaign at their school. The White Ribbon Campaign engages male students as allies in the efforts to end dating violence.

The initiative comes on the heels of National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, which concluded at the end of February. The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office is proactive year-round on the issue to ensure that youth are educated and equipped with resources to make sound decisions and remain free from harm.

Contact:

Gregg Miliote Director of Communications 508-997-0711 774-292-9576---after hours

Ashley Bendiksen Media Assistant 508-997-0711 774-929-5614---after hours

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Fatal Drowning Probed in Attleboro

Press Release February 25, 2015

Bristol County District Attorney's Office Thomas M. Quinn District Attorney

For Immediate Release:

Attleboro Police and State Police Detectives assigned to this office are currently investigating an apparent fatal drowning, which occurred this afternoon in the City of Attleboro.

Police and Rescue Personnel received a 911 call reporting a drowning at an indoor swimming pool at an apartment complex located at 3 Commonwealth Avenue around 3:15 p.m. today. Upon arrival, police and paramedics from the Attleboro Fire Department found the victim unresponsive outside the swimming pool. The victim, later identified as Ibrahim Iqbal, 17, of Brooklyn, NY, was rushed to Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro, where he was pronounced dead around 4 p.m. today.

The initial investigation into this incident has revealed that Mr. Iqbal, who was visiting relatives at the apartment complex this week, had been swimming laps in the large indoor heated pool. He was accompanied at the pool area by his cousin, who was not swimming with him. At some point after swimming laps, Mr. Iqbal was swimming to the bottom of the nine foot deep end of the pool, touching the bottom, and coming back up for air. He apparently did this several times. During one of the trips to the bottom of the pool, Mr. Iqbal did not come back up for air. His cousin shouted for help and a member of the management staff, along with another resident of the apartment complex, were able to get Mr. Iqbal out of the pool and began performing CPR.

The death appears to be accidental at this time.

However, the investigation into the death will continue and the Medical Examiner's office will conduct an autopsy.

Contact:

Gregg Miliote Director of Communications 508-997-0711 774-292-9576---after hours

Ashley Bendiksen Media Assistant 508-997-0711 774-929-5614---after hours

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Gov. Baker to Swear-In District Attorney Thomas Quinn During Special Inauguration Event Wednesday

Press Release February 23, 2015

Bristol County District Attorney's Office Thomas M. Quinn District Attorney

For Immediate Release:

Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III and his lead prosecutors will be inaugurated during a special swearing in ceremony led by Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito this Wednesday afternoon. The special inauguration ceremony will be held Wednesday, February 25th at 4 p.m. in the auditorium of Bishop Connolly High School, 373 Elstree Street, Fall River.

Lt. Gov. Polito will administer the oath of office to District Attorney Quinn's legal leadership team of William McCauley-Deputy District Attorney, Patrick Bomberg- Co-First Assistant District Attorney, Karen O’Sullivan- Co-First Assistant District Attorney, Jennifer St.Laurent Sowa,-Deputy Chief of Superior Court, Dennis Collins- Chief of Homicide Division and Katie Rayburn- Deputy Chief of Homicide Division.

Gov. Baker will then administer the oath of office to District Attorney Quinn.  Gov. Baker appointed District Attorney Quinn as the new Bristol County District Attorney last month.

The invocation will be led by Reverend Dr. Robert P. Lawrence and the benediction will be spoken by Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, Diocese of Fall River.

District Attorney Quinn will give an inaugural address after being sworn in by the governor.

All media and members of the public are invited to attend.

Contact:

Gregg Miliote Director of Communications 508-997-0711 774-292-9576---after hours

Ashley Bendiksen Media Assistant 508-997-0711 774-929-5614---after hours

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Fall River Man Convicted of Stabbing; Sentenced to 14 Years in State Prison

Press Release February 23, 2015

Bristol County District Attorney's Office Thomas M. Quinn District Attorney

For Immediate Release:

Bristol County District Attorney Tom Quinn announced today at a 53-year-old Fall River man was sentenced to serve at least 14 years in state prison late Friday afternoon after being convicted of a stabbing a woman inside her home in 2013.

Edward Mason pleaded guilty in Fall River Superior Court Friday afternoon to charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and armed assault in a dwelling. Assistant District Attorney Katie Rayburn prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth, and recommended a 14 to 16 year state prison sentence.  Superior Court Judge Robert Cosgrove agreed with Assistant District Attorney Rayburn's sentencing recommendation, and also ordered that Mr. Mason serve five years of supervised probation upon his release from state prison. The conditions of probation include staying away from the victim, complete mental health counseling, and take all prescribed medications.

The victim, a 41-year-old Fall River woman,  was moving into a new residence in the city on January 31, 2013. Mr. Mason was one of the individuals who helped her move, as he was the victim's mother's next door neighbor and had been known to the victim. Three days later, on February 3, the defendant rang the victim's doorbell and asked her if she has more furniture that needed to be moved. The victim did indeed have more furniture to move, and asked the defendant for help moving a shelving unit from her truck outside to her son's bedroom inside the house. After completing the task, the defendant asked to use the victim's bathroom. After exiting the bathroom, the defendant remained in the home and waited for the victim to walk towards him, at which point he grabbed her by her sweater, pulled a knife from his pocket and stabbed her in the back. A struggle ensued, and the victim was able to kick the defendant off of her and began screaming for help out. The defendant then fled the home, but left behind the knife. Mr. Mason was arrested a short time later by Fall River Police.

The knife wound to the victim's back did require hospitalization, although she has made a full physical recovery.

"This is exactly the type of prison sentence that is warranted for such a senseless act of extreme violence," said District Attorney Quinn. "I am hopeful that the victim finds some solace in the knowledge that he attacker will be without freedom for a very long time."

Contact:

Gregg Miliote Director of Communications 508-997-0711 774-292-9576---after hours

Ashley Bendiksen Media Assistant 508-997-0711 774-929-5614---after hours

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Murder Charge Brought in Thursday New Bedford Homicide; Arraignment Today

Press Release January 26, 2015

Bristol County District Attorney's Office Thomas M. Quinn District Attorney

For Immediate Release:

Bristol County District Attorney Tom Quinn announced this morning that charges against 36-year-old Jason Valliere in connection to the Thursday afternoon homicide of Javon Brown in the City of New Bedford have been upgraded to murder.

Mr. Valliere, of 84 Fredericks St., New Bedford will be arraigned later this morning in New Bedford District Court.

Investigators were rapidly able to gather enough evidence to obtain a warrant for Mr. Valliere's arrest less than 12 hours after the homicide occurred. Police actively sought Mr. Valliere beginning Thursday evening. He was arrested and initially charged with being an Accessory to Murder-After the Fact late Friday night after coming to the New Bedford Police Station.

New Bedford Police, Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to this office and Homicide Unit prosecutors continue to actively investigate the homicide this weekend, and no further information can be disseminated about the facts of the case or the investigation until Mr. Valliere is arraigned in open court today.

"The fact that this homicide was solved so quickly is a testament to the team work displayed by prosecutors from my office, New Bedford Police Detectives and Massachusetts State Police Detectives from my office. The great working relationships this office has forged with local police departments is a major reason for the high homicide-solve rate we have all seen during recent years," District Attorney Quinn. "I want to commend all the investigators in this case for their hard work around the clock to quickly bring charges in this case. The public has a basic human right to feel safe in their homes, at their work places and in the community, and my office will continue to work tirelessly to make sure anyone who violates our citizens' public safety with a brazen act of violence like this will be apprehended as quickly as possible."

Police received a 911 call regarding a shooting at the MetroPCS cellular phone store at 209 Coggeshall Street around 12:30 p.m. Thursday. Upon arrival, police and rescue personnel located a male shooting victim in the area near the parking lot outside the store. The victim, who resides in Dartmouth, was rushed to St. Luke’s Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 1:12 p.m. Thursday.

The investigation is being coordinated by Assistant District Attorneys Dennis Collins, Chief of District Attorney Quinn's Homicide Unit and  Katie Rayburn, Deputy Chief of District Attorney Quinn's Homicide Unit. Mr. Collins will handle this morning's arraignment.

Anyone who was in the area of Coggeshall Street and Belleville Avenue between noon and 1 p.m. Thursday and may have seen anything connected to this incident is urged to contact New Bedford Police’s Detectives Division at 508-991-6300.  If individuals wish to remain anonymous, they can call New Bedford Police’s anonymous tip line at 508-961-4584, or utilize the district attorney’s anonymous text-a-tip program by either logging on to tipsubmit.com or by texting the phrase “CALL50” to the phone number 274637 (which spells CRIMES).

Contact: Gregg Miliote Director of Communications 508-997-0711 774-292-9576---after hours

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Arrest Made in Connection to Thursday Afternoon New Bedford Homicide

Press Release January 24, 2015

Bristol County District Attorney's Office Thomas M. Quinn District Attorney

For Immediate Release:

Bristol County District Attorney Tom Quinn announced this morning that an arrest has been made in connection to the Thursday afternoon homicide of 36-year-old Javon Brown in the City of New Bedford.

District Attorney Quinn announced that Jason Valliere, 36, of 84 Fredericks Street, New Bedford, has been charged with accessory to murder-after the fact.  Mr. Valliere will be arraigned Monday morning in New Bedford District Court. Investigators were rapidly able to gather enough evidence to obtain a warrant for Mr. Valliere's arrest less than 12 hours after the homicide occurred. Police have been actively seeking Mr. Valliere since Thursday evening. He was arrested, without incident, late Friday night after coming to the New Bedford Police Station.

New Bedford Police, Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to this office and Homicide Unit prosecutors continue to actively investigate the homicide this weekend, and no further information can be disseminated about the facts of the case or the investigation until Mr. Valliere is arraigned in open court on Monday.

Police received a 911 call regarding a shooting at the MetroPCS cellular phone store at 209 Coggeshall Street around 12:30 p.m. Thursday. Upon arrival, police and rescue personnel located a male shooting victim in the area near the parking lot outside the store. The victim, who resides in Dartmouth, was rushed to St. Luke’s Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 1:12 p.m. today.

The investigation is being coordinated by Assistant District Attorney Katie Rayburn, who is the Deputy Chief of District Attorney Quinn's Homicide Unit.

Anyone who was in the area of Coggeshall Street and Belleville Avenue between noon and 1 p.m. today and may have seen anything connected to this incident is urged to contact New Bedford Police’s Detectives Division at 508-991-6300.  If individuals wish to remain anonymous, they can call New Bedford Police’s anonymous tip line at 508-961-4584, or utilize the district attorney’s anonymous text-a-tip program by either logging on to tipsubmit.com or by texting the phrase “CALL50” to the phone number 274637 (which spells CRIMES).

Contact: Gregg Miliote Director of Communications 508-997-0711 774-292-9576---after hours

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Updated Press Release Regarding Arrest in Connection with Thursday New Bedford Homicide

Press Release January 24, 2015

Bristol County District Attorney's Office Thomas M. Quinn District Attorney

For Immediate Release:

Bristol County District Attorney Tom Quinn announced this morning that an arrest has been made in connection to the Thursday afternoon homicide of 36-year-old Javon Brown in the City of New Bedford.

District Attorney Quinn announced that Jason Valliere, 36, of 84 Fredericks Street, New Bedford, has been charged with accessory to murder-after the fact.  Mr. Valliere will be arraigned Monday morning in New Bedford District Court. Investigators were rapidly able to gather enough evidence to obtain a warrant for Mr. Valliere's arrest less than 12 hours after the homicide occurred. Police have been actively seeking Mr. Valliere since Thursday evening. He was arrested, without incident, late Friday night after coming to the New Bedford Police Station.

New Bedford Police, Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to this office and Homicide Unit prosecutors continue to actively investigate the homicide this weekend, and no further information can be disseminated about the facts of the case or the investigation until Mr. Valliere is arraigned in open court on Monday.

Police received a 911 call regarding a shooting at the MetroPCS cellular phone store at 209 Coggeshall Street around 12:30 p.m. Thursday. Upon arrival, police and rescue personnel located a male shooting victim in the area near the parking lot outside the store. The victim, who resides in Dartmouth, was rushed to St. Luke’s Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 1:12 p.m. Thursday.

The investigation is being coordinated by Assistant District Attorney Katie Rayburn, who is the Deputy Chief of District Attorney Quinn's Homicide Unit.

Anyone who was in the area of Coggeshall Street and Belleville Avenue between noon and 1 p.m. Thursday and may have seen anything connected to this incident is urged to contact New Bedford Police’s Detectives Division at 508-991-6300.  If individuals wish to remain anonymous, they can call New Bedford Police’s anonymous tip line at 508-961-4584, or utilize the district attorney’s anonymous text-a-tip program by either logging on to tipsubmit.com or by texting the phrase “CALL50” to the phone number 274637 (which spells CRIMES).

Contact: Gregg Miliote Director of Communications 508-997-0711 774-292-9576---after hours

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Media Advisory: Homicide Investigation Underway in New Bedford

Media Advisory January 22, 2015

Bristol County District Attorney's Office Thomas M. Quinn District Attorney

For Immediate Release:

New Bedford Police, Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to this office and Homicide Unit prosecutors are currently investigating a homicide, which occurred this afternoon in the City of New Bedford.

Police received a 911 call regarding a shooting at the MetroPCS cellular phone store at 209 Coggeshall Street around 12:30 p.m. today. Upon arrival, police and rescue personnel located a male shooting victim in the area near the parking lot outside the store. The victim, a 36-year-old man, was rushed to St. Luke’s Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 1:12 p.m. today.

The victim will not be publicly identified until next of kin notifications have been made.

The investigation is being coordinated by Assistant District Attorney Katie Rayburn.

Anyone who was in the area of Coggeshall Street and Belleville Avenue between noon and 1 p.m. today and may have seen anything connected to this incident is urged to contact New Bedford Police’s Detectives Division at 508-991-6300.  If individuals wish to remain anonymous, they can call New Bedford Police’s anonymous tip line at 508-961-4584, or utilize the district attorney’s anonymous text-a-tip program by either logging on to tipsubmit.com or by texting the phrase “CALL50” to the phone number 274637 (which spells CRIMES).

Since the investigation is in its infancy and is extremely active at this time, no further information can be disseminated publicly at this time. If and when more information is able to be shared, this office will send out a follow up press release.

Contact: Gregg Miliote Director of Communications 508-997-0711 774-292-9576---after hours

Ashley Bendiksen Media Assistant 508-997-0711 774-929-5614---after hours

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Somerset Man Indicted on Murder Charges, Connected to Death of His Mother

Press Release January 21, 2015

Bristol County District Attorney's Office Thomas M. Quinn District Attorney

For Immediate Release:

Bristol County District Attorney Tom Quinn announced today that a Bristol County Grand Jury has indicted Michael Kostek, 63, of Somerset, on charges of second degree murder, assault and battery on a person over 60 and recklessly permitting serious bodily injury by a caretaker.

Mr. Kostek is accused of causing the death of his 88-year-old mother, Sophie Kostek, at their Wilbur Avenue, Somerset, home on August 7, 2014.

Mr. Kostek  is already being held  in custody on $1 million cash bail  after being charged last August with assault and battery on an elder-resulting in serious bodily injury. He will be arraigned on the new indictments in Fall River Superior Court on January 29th.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Courtney Cahill, who is the Chief of District Attorney Quinn’s Domestic Violence Unit.  The death was investigated by Cahill, along with Massachusetts State Police Detective Hollis Crowley and Somerset Police Detective Jay Matos.

Contact: Gregg Miliote Director of Communications 508-997-0711 774-292-9576---after hours

Ashley Bendiksen Media Assistant 508-997-0711 774-929-5614---after hours

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District Attorney Quinn's Office to Host Live Web Forum on Teen Drugged Driving

Press Release January 21, 2015

Bristol County District Attorney's Office Thomas Quinn District Attorney

For Immediate Release:

Bristol County District Attorney Tom Quinn is announcing that his office will participate in National Drug Facts Week by hosting a LIVE online web forum to educate the community on “Teen Drugged Driving.” The forum is a partnership between the District Attorney’s Office and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and will be broadcast on Monday, January 26, 2015 at 2:30PM. It will be available for public viewing, and viewers may call in or submit questions online.

The forum is being conducted for National Drug Facts Week – an annual week-long initiative of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) that focuses on educating teens about drugs and drug abuse. NIDA encourages schools and community organizations to host activities and events across the U.S. to help “Shatter the Myths” about drug use.

This year, the district attorney aims to address the ongoing and growing issue of “drugged driving.”  While this issue affects everyone, it becomes especially important among teens. Vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for young persons ages 16-19. When lack of driving experience is combined with the use of illegal substances, a higher risk for harm and fatality results.  Additionally, studies show that 9.3 million Americans age 16 or older report driving under the influence of illicit drugs in 2014.*

By utilizing a web format, the District Attorney’s Office hopes to educate an even larger audience than last year’s initiative, which involved distributing more than 2,000 “Shattering the Myths” handbooks to schools throughout Fall River.

Forum speakers will include Assistant District Attorney Paul Machado and Community Affairs Manager April Cabrera of the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, Mike Aguiar of the B.O.L.D. Coalition in Fall River, Patrolman Frank Pacheco of the Raynham Police Department, Paramedic Bob Camara of the Fall River Fire Department, Lori Gonsalves, a Parent Advocate of a former drug addict, Bryan Delaney, a SADD Student from East Hampton High School, and Jessica Roscoe, former SADD Student of the Year and student at Concordia College.

The entire discussion will stream live on Ustream, hosted in partnership with the Raynham Channel.  Upon starting at 2:30PM, the forum will be available to view directly on Ustream or on the District Attorney’s Office Facebook Page.  Viewers can ask questions via Facebook, Twitter, or by calling in at (508) 692-9540.

The online link to view the forum is http://www.ustream.tv/channel/bristol-county-da and will become live shortly before the forum begins at 2:30PM. Information and direction can also be found at www.bristolda.com under “Upcoming Events.”

*Office of National Drug Control Policy

Contact: Gregg Miliote Director of Communications 508-997-0711 774-292-9576---after hours

Ashley Bendiksen Media Assistant 508-997-0711 774-929-5614---after hours

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DA Quinn with #BCC #FallRiver President Jack Sprega. #MLKDay2015 #DATomQuinn #bristolcounty

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New Bedford Man Conicted of 2003 Drive By Slaying

Press Release January 20, 2015

Bristol County District Attorney's Office Thomas Quinn District Attorney

For Immediate Release:

Bristol County District Attorney Tom Quinn today announced that 40-year-old Shawn Hunt was convicted today of 2nd Degree Murder, connected to the 2003 slaying of 20-year-old Alberto “Tito” Gonzalez in New Bedford.

Mr. Hunt, of New Bedford, was convicted by a jury of his peers this afternoon in Fall River Superior Court. The jury deliberated for approximately seven hours over the course of two days before returning its verdict shortly after 2 p.m. today.  Superior Court Judge Robert Cosgrove immediately sentenced Mr. Hunt to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 15 years.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Dennis Collins and Chuck Nadeau.

Mr. Hunt stood accused of taking part in a drive-by shooting Mr. Gonzalez to death near the intersection of Hillman and Spruce streets on November 30, 2003.  The case was one of the first to be solved by the district attorney’s Cold Case Unit in 2009.

“This case has been a long and arduous ordeal for the victim’s family. The senseless killing of Mr. Gonzalez has caused a great amount of anguish for his family and his friends over the years. I hope that today’s verdict will bring them some solace,” District Attorney Quinn said. “We are very grateful for the jury’s verdict. I want to thank the entire prosecution team for their perseverance on this case, specifically Dennis Collins, William McCauley, Chuck Nadeau, State Police Detective Ann Marie Robertson, New Bedford Police Sgt. Andrew Simmons and all the others who assisted in this case. I am very proud of their dedication.”

Contact: Gregg Miliote Director of Communications 508-997-0711 774-292-9576---after hours

Ashley Bendiksen Media Assistant 508-997-0711 774-929-5614---after hours

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First Assistant Tom Quinn was sworn in as the new District Attorney by Judge Gilbert Nadeau on Monday January 5th at the Fall River Justice Center. 

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Cell Phone Drive for Domestic Violence Victims Collects More Than 1,000

Bristol County District Attorney Tom Quinn is pleased to announce the success of his office’s recent cell phone drive to benefit and assist those who are affected by domestic violence. In partnership with all county police departments and in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the initiative resulted in a collection of more than 1,000 phones, batteries, and accessories to donate to Verizon Wireless Hopeline Program.  

The HopeLine program, which benefits domestic violence prevention and awareness programs nationwide, has collected over 10.8 million phones and accessories since its inception in 2001. The program has also awarded more than $21.4 million in grants, generated by the sale of refurbished phones, to domestic violence agencies and organizations, and has provided more than 180,000 wireless phones to be used by victims of domestic violence. The District Attorney’s Office has been a recipient of these phones and will continue to receive phones in return for our collection.

Although the collection was launched for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the District Attorney’s Office serves victims of domestic violence on a daily basis.  In the last year, the District Attorney’s Office enhanced its domestic violence prosecution through its Domestic Violence Unit. This included expanding to have specialized prosecutors and victim witness advocates on domestic violence cases, and the creation of Domestic Violence High At Risk Teams (HART) in the New Bedford and Fall River areas. These teams monitor and prosecute serial, repeat domestic violence offenders while offering increased services to victims who are at high risk for re-assault.  

The office also enhanced its awareness and education efforts across the county. Year-round staff present on the topic of domestic violence, and in November, the office partnered with the Bristol County Commission on the Status of Women to conduct a panel on domestic violence for freshman students at the Greater New Bedford Vocational Technical High School. The office also joined county agencies, as well as state agencies such as the Employers Against Domestic Violence and the Massachusetts Office of Victim Assistance to work on large-scale efforts and initiatives. The office also created and distributed domestic violence resource guides specific to each region in the county.

Moving forward in 2015, District Attorney Quinn will focus on expanding the White Ribbon Campaign throughout the county, specifically bringing the program into schools.  This initiative focuses on giving boys and men a voice in ending violence against women.  In 2014, the District Attorney’s Office partnered with the Boston Celtics to promote the White Ribbon Campaign, engaging men and boys to wear white ribbons during the game.

District Attorney Quinn says, “As a law enforcement official I feel it is important to focus on the topic of domestic violence whenever possible. The number of victims and children who witness domestic violence is alarming across Bristol County.  My office is dedicated to enhancing services, education and outreach as well as holding offenders accountable as we help to make victims and their children safer.”  

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To view the original press release regarding the cell phone drive visit http://bristolda.com/2014/10/da-sutter-partnering-with-all-bristol-county-police-departments-and-verizon-on-month-long-domestic-violence-initiative/

For more on the Verizon Hopeline Program visit http://www.verizonwireless.com/aboutus/hopeline/

Contacts: Gregg Miliote Director of Communications 508-997-0711 774-292-9576—cell

Ashley Bendiksen Social Media Manager 508-997-0711 774-929-5614—cell