Ex-Stoneham Officer, Brother Charged In Kickback Scheme Worth Millions: Feds
A former Stoneham police officer and his brother, who owns an electrical contracting company, were charged in federal court Thursday, Jan. 26, with receiving bribes and kickbacks that earned them millions of dollars in Mass Saves contracts, authorities said.
Joseph Ponzo, 49, of Stoneham, and Christopher Ponzo, 48, of North Reading, were arrested last year on one count of wire fraud conspiracy and 12 counts of wire fraud stemming from a scheme with a Mass Save vendor, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said. They face a charge of lying to a government official, and Joseph also will be c…
Longtime Passaic Resident Veronica Bravo Dies After Valiant Cancer Battle, 45
Support is pouring in for the family of Passaic mom Veronica Bravo, who died after a valiant battle with cancer on Monday. Dec. 12 at the age of 45.
Born in Holyoke, MA, to Juan and Miriam (Torres) Medina, Veronica was a longtime Passaic resident, her obituary says.
She had an enlightening personality and was known for the care and compassion she held for her three children, Logan, Jade, and Caleb.
In addition to her children, Veronica is survived by husband and Paterson firefighter Sergio Bravo; a sibling, John Medina, as well as numerous extended family members and close friends.
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22-Year-Old Faces Reckless Driving, Other Charges In Connection To Fatal Crash
A 22-year-old from the region was arrested for reckless driving and other charges in connection to a fatal crash that killed a 58-year-old man.
The crash took place in Litchfield County on Monday, Dec. 20, 2021, on Route 44, in the town of North Canaan.
According to Connecticut State Police, a Volkswagen Jetta, operated by Essex County resident Carl Blair, age 58, of Danvers, Massachusetts, was traveling on Route 44, when his vehicle was hit by a Fed-Ex Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, driven by Hampden County resident Jarad Seery, age 22, of Holyoke, Massachusetts.
The cr…
Holyoke Man Admits To Working With Violent Mexican Cartel Drug Ring: Feds
A Holyoke man pleaded guilty to helping a Mexican drug cartel distribute fentanyl throughout Massachusetts, federal authorities said. Police found drugs, money, body armor, and a stockpile of guns when they arrested him last year, officials added.
Josue Rivera Rodriguez, 45, who goes by the nickname Bori, confessed last week to charges of conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, distribution of 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and two counts of distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said. He faces a minimum of 10 years in prison and…
Duo Wanted For Western Mass Robbery Nabbed After Turning Up At Polls: Police
Two men wanted for an armed robbery in one Western Massachusetts city thought they would get by with all the police attention on the election polls – they thought wrong.
Eric Fontanez, age 52, of New York, and Jesus Marrero, age 56, of Holyoke, were arrested for the robbery that happened at the South Street Racing Mart in Holyoke on Sunday, Nov. 6, Holyoke Police said on Facebook.
Tuesday, 11/08/22, at approximately 1230 Holyoke Police Officer Manuel Rivera (ID 280) was working at the election polls... Posted by Holyoke Police Department on Tuesday, November 8, 2022
The men were appr…
