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DECISIONS
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Press Releases
Commonwealth v. Vernon Carter
December 31, 2009
Contact: Bridget Norton Middleton
(508) 584-8120
BROCKTON, MA -Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz and
Wareham Police Chief Richard M. Stanley announced today that Vernon Carter (DOB: 7-20-89) of New Bedford was indicted Wednesday by a Plymouth County Grand Jury for the shooting murder of a Wareham man on September 5, 2009.
In addition to the murder indictment, Carter was also indicted by the Grand Jury for
Armed Robbery, Assault and Battery, two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, and two counts of Unlawful Possession of Ammunition.
Carter is alleged to have shot and murdered Scott Monteiro (DOB: 7-23-88) of Wareham at a house party at 24 Elmwood Street in Wareham. According to witnesses, Carter arrived uninvited to the party, and entered the house with other friends from New Bedford. After leaving the house briefly, Carter allegedly rushed back into the house and pointed a firearm at Sheldon Santos, another Wareham man attending the party, demanding that Santos surrender his gold chain. Witnesses said that when Santos refused, Monteiro attempted to intervene and peacefully resolve the altercation. Carter then allegedly turned to Monteiro and fired several shots from the firearm, with one bullet striking Monteiro in the head, causing fatal brain injuries. Carter has been held without bail since his arrest on September 6, 2009.
No arraignment date in Superior Court has been set.
Commonwealth v. Joseph Gardner
December 18, 2009
Contact: Bridget Norton Middleton
(508) 584-8120
PLYMOUTH, MA -Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz today announced that Joseph Gardner (DOB: 4-22-83) of Plymouth, was ordered held without bail today by
Judge Julian in Plymouth District Court.
Following a hearing the Judge allowed the Commonwealth´s motion to hold the defendant
pursuant to M. G. L. c. 276 §58A.
The next date is 2/9/10 for Probable Cause Hearing.
No further comment will be made at this time.
Commonwealth v. Anthony Galluccio
December 18, 2009
Contact: Bridget Norton Middleton
(508) 584-8120
CAMBRIDGE, MA -Anthony Galluccio, (DOB: 6-11-67), 23 Trowbridge Street, Cambridge pleaded guilty today in the Cambridge District Court to Leaving the Scene of Personal Injury and Leaving the Scene of Property Damage.
The charges stem from a 10/4/09 Cambridge incident where the defendant fled the scene after striking another vehicle. There were four people inside of the vehicle that was struck, two children ages 10 and 13 years of age and their parents. The father and the 13 year old sustained injuries as a result of the crash.
The Commonwealth recommended the following sentence: Guilty 1 year HOC, 6 months to be served, balance suspended for 2 years with following conditions: abstain from alcohol, random screens, alcohol evaluation and treatment if deemed necessary, and loss of license for 5 years.
The defendant asked the court for the following 1) Leaving the Scene of Personal Injury-Guilty 6 months HOC Suspended for 1 year and 2) Leaving the Scene of Property Damage-CWOF 2 years.
Judge Matthew Nestor imposed the following sentence on both counts: Guilty 1 year HOC Suspended for 2 years with following conditions: 6 months of home confinement
(exception to go to session meetings and to cast vote, to attend church on Sundays at 7: 45 AM), sobriety bracelet installed for 6 months of confinement, no alcohol, random screens, alcohol evaluation/ treatment, $1K fine, and loss of license for 5 years.
Superior Court
Commonwealth v. Rashidi Smith
December 10, 2009
Contact: Bridget Norton Middleton
(508) 584-8120
BROCKTON, MA -Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz today announced that Rashidi Smith, (DOB: 12-17-89) of Brockton was found guilty Tuesday of second degree murder.
Following a six day jury trial in Brockton Superior Court, the jury deliberated for eight hours before returning the guilty verdict.
The charges resulted from the shooting death of 14 year old Marvin Constant of Brockton on Macy Avenue on a June afternoon in 2007. Marvin was shot twice in the chest as he rode his bike while the defendant walked beside him. The defendant was then seen riding Marvin´s bike away from the body toward Crescent Avenue. On Cresent Avenue, he was spotted by two Brockton detectives hurriedly dropping the bike, holding his waist area and getting into the back seat of a car stopped at the lights at Crescent Avenue and Crescent Street. The detectives followed the car and eventually stopped it on North Main Street. The murder weapon was found at the defendant´s feet.
The case was investigated by Brockton Police and State Police Detectives assigned to the Plymouth District Attorney´s Office. Brockton Detectives Ken Williams and Thomas Keating were the officers who spotted the defendant on Crescent Avenue minutes after the shooting.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Karen O´Sullivan and Kristen Stone.
The case was tried before Judge Jeffrey Locke. Following the guilty verdict the defendant was sentenced to life in prison.
Co-defendants are arraigned in Carver kidnapping case
December 8, 2009
Contact: Bridget Norton Middleton
(508) 584-8120
CARVER, MA -Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz today announced that
Juan Catala (DOB: 2-28-75) of Providence, R.I. was arraigned today in the Wareham District Court on the following charges:
-
1. Armed Kindapping for Extortion (2 counts)
2. Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon
3. Assault & Battery (2 counts)
cause hearing.
Co-defendant Ross Santos (DOB: 10-12-77) of Carver was arraigned on the following charges:
-
1. Armed Kindapping for Extortion (2 counts)
2. Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon
3. Assault & Battery (2 counts)
cause hearing.
Autopsy results released in fatal shooting
November 30, 2009
Contact: Bridget Norton Middleton
(508) 584-8120
BROCKTON, MA -Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz today released the autopsy results for the man fatally shot in Brockton early Saturday morning, along with the names of the three people who sustained non-life threatening gunshot wounds.
On November 28, 2009, at approximately 3:10 a.m., Brockton Police responded to the Hess Gas Station located at 1614 South Main Street, Brockton, regarding a shooting. Upon arrival, Brockton Police learned that four individuals had been shot. Antonio Centeio (DOB: 10-12-86) of Brockton, suffered a gunshot wound to the head and was transported to Signature Health Care where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy determined that he died as a result of a gunshot wound to the head with injury to the brain and skull. The three other shooting victims sustained non-life threatening injuries.
Emily Rodrigues (DOB: 8-17-88) of Raynham, was shot in the leg and was transported to a local hospital.
Neal Sampson (DOB: 6-6-83) of Canton, was shot in the back of the head and was transported to a local hospital for treatment of his injury.
Carlos Andrade (DOB: 7-26-87) of Brockton, was shot in the leg, drove a truck from the Hess and rolled the vehicle over while attempting to drive himself to Brockton Hospital. Mr. Andrade was then picked up from the accident scene by civilians and transported to a local hospital.
The case remains under investigation by the State Police Detectives assigned to the Plymouth District Attorney´s Office and the Brockton Police. Anyone with information is urged to call investigators at (508) 941-0234.
No further information is being released at this time.
Commonwealth v. Kenneth Taylor
The Supreme Judicial Court affirms the conviction
November 23, 2009
Contact: Bridget Norton Middleton
(508) 584-8120
BROCKTON, MA -Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz today announced that the Supreme Judicial Court has affirmed convictions in the case of Commonwealth v. Kenneth Taylor for First Degree Murder and Armed Home Invasion.
Taylor was charged for the October 24, 1999, shooting death of Richard Anderlot which occurred at 216 Court Street in the City of Brockton. Taylor and three others went to that address with a plan to rob the occupant who they believed had marijuana. The victim, then only 16 years old, was staying at the apartment with his older brother. At the time of the home invasion Anderlot was the only occupant of the apartment. Taylor and three others entered the apartment at gunpoint. Anderlot ran into the living room. Taylor followed and shot Anderlot at least three times. Anderlot died as a result of the gunshot wounds.
In affirming the conviction, the Supreme Judicial Court found no substantial risk of miscarriage of justice resulting from:
- 1) the admission of portions of the report of the medical examiner, who was not available to testify;
- 2) the denial of cross-examination of a cooperating witness on the issue of bias;
- 3) a misstatement of evidence in the prosecutor's closing argument;
- 4) the judge´s use of the example of an application for a gun license to explain why the police might have a
photograph of the defendant for use in an array.
The case was investigated by State Police Detectives assigned to the Plymouth County District Attorney´s Office and the Brockton Police. The case was prosecuted by Deputy First Assistant John Bradley.
Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz stated "This defendant gunned down a 16 year old boy who just happened to be in that apartment when he came in at gunpoint. This was a brutal and senseless crime. We are pleased with the court's decision in affirming these convictions. I also want to commend the investigators in this case whose hard work led to this defendant spending the rest of his life in jail."
Commonwealth v. Amaral Montrond
Guilty verdict returned in first degree murder trial
November 23, 2009
Contact: Bridget Norton Middleton
(508) 584-8120
BROCKTON, MA -Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz announced that Amaral Montrond (DOB: 7-4-78) of 24 Montauk Rd, Brockton was found guilty today of
First Degree Murder and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.
Following an eight day trial in Brockton Superior Court, the jury deliberated for approximately 7 hours over 2 days before returning the guilty verdicts today. Sentencing will be on December 4, 2009, after a jury waived trial on an indictment alleging that the defendant is an armed career criminal based on a prior conviction for assault and battery, dangerous weapon from 1997.
The murder conviction was based on the August 16, 2007 fatal shooting of Carlita Chaney which took place inside the defendant´s family home at 24 Montauk Rd in Brockton. Carlita Chaney, then age 27, was the former girlfriend of the defendant and mother of his two children. Ms. Chaney had ended the relationship in 2002 and moved with the children to Spartanburg, South Carolina. In October of 2006, Ms Chaney had informed police in South Carolina that the defendant was wanted in Brockton for a shooting and was currently staying at her home in South Carolina. The defendant was arrested on her information and brought back to Massachusetts to face those charges.
In the summer of 2007, while Amaral Montrond was out on fifty thousand dollars bail, Ms. Chaney brought the defendant´s two children to Brockton to visit the Montrond family. Ms Chaney was shot in the head by the defendant at close range with a .45 caliber pistol while she was lying on a couch in the Montrond home.
The case was investigated by Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to the District Attorney´s Office and Brockton Police Detectives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Daniel J. Hourihan.
Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz stated "Our thoughts today are with the family of Carlita Chaney. While this verdict cannot erase the horror of what this defendant did, it is some measure of justice for the family of Carlita Chaney."
Sentencing will be on December 4, 2009, in Brockton Superior Court.
The Supreme Judicial Court has reversed a Superior Court Judge´s ruling
in Commonwealth vs. Eric Shaughessy
November 20, 2009
Contact: Bridget Norton Middleton
(508) 584-8120
BROCKTON, MA -Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz today announced that the Supreme Judicial Court has reversed a Superior Court Judge´s ruling in COMMONWEALTH vs. ERIC SHAUGHESSY SJC-10416, that would have forced prosecutors to reveal the identity of a confidential informant in a drug case. The court also ruled that defendant is not entitled to costs and attorney´s fees.
At issue in this case was whether the Commonwealth´s privilege not to disclose the identity of an informant can be overcome on the basis of an affidavit submitted ex parte by the defendant. The Superior Court Judge ordered the Commonwealth to disclose the identity of the Commonwealth´s confidential informant based on the defendant´s ex parte affidavit for the judge´s inspection and review only, finding that the Commonwealth´s informant privilege was overcome by the defendant´s claim that such disclosure was necessary to a fair trial. The Commonwealth appealed from the order requiring disclosure of the informant´s identity.
The SJC concluded that the use of ex parte affidavits should only be permitted in exceptional circumstances. They found that although there was no error in the judge´s acceptance and review of the affidavit, the judge failed to afford the Commonwealth an adequate opportunity to respond to its essential contents. Before a defendant´s ex parte affidavit can overcome the Commonwealth´s privilege, a judge must afford the Commonwealth some avenue of response. The SJC remanded this case to the Superior Court to afford the Commonwealth the opportunity to respond to a redacted or summary version of the defendant´s affidavit, which is to be prepared by the defendant or his counsel and approved by the judge.
The defendant had also asked for attorney´s fees in this appeal. The Supreme Judicial Court denied the request because no statute or rule permitted such an award of fees in an appeal taken under chapter 211, § 3, particularly where the appeal is not frivolous or unmeritorious.
Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz stated, "We are pleased with the SJC opinion in this case. The court has affirmed the necessary and important role that informants have in assisting law enforcement in obtaining evidence in a criminal investigation. At least now before a judge considers taking the extraordinary step of ordering that an informant´s identity be disclosed, the Commonwealth will be given an opportunity to respond to the defendant´s claims."
Autopsies have been completed for the two deaths in Mattapoisett
November 17, 2009
Contact: Bridget Norton Middleton
(508) 584-8120
MATTAPOISETT, MA -Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz and Mattapoisett Police Chief Mary Lyons today announced that autopsies have been completed for the two people that were found dead in their home at 6 Tallman Street in Mattapoisett on November 12, 2009.
The cause of Shirley Battistelli´s death was strangulation and the manner of death has been ruled a homicide. The cause of Joseph Battistelli´s death was a gun shot wound to the head and the manner of death has been ruled a suicide.
After investigation, it has been determined that Joseph Battistelli strangled his wife and then took his own life. No further comment will be made.
Two people found dead in their home in Mattapoisett
November 12, 2009
Contact: Bridget Norton Middleton
(508) 584-8120
MATTAPOISETT, MA -Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz and Mattapoisett Police Chief Mary Lyons announced that two people were found dead today in their home in Mattapoisett. At approximately 2:09 p.m. today, Mattapoisett Police received a call reporting that two people were found dead at 6 Tallman Street, Mattapoisett. Upon arrival at that address, Mattapoisett Officers entered the home and found two people deceased inside.
The scene was secured and State Police Detectives assigned to the Plymouth County District Attorney´s Office were notified and responded to the scene. At this point investigators have confirmed that Shirley Battistelli, (DOB: 10-15-35) and her husband Joseph Battistelli,
(DOB: 2-16-31) were found dead inside of their home at 6 Tallman Street.
Shirley Battistelli was found on the first floor of the home. Joseph Battistelli was found in the basement. He appeared to have hung himself and to have suffered a gunshot wound.
There was no sign of forced entry. Autopsies will be conducted by the office of the
Chief Medical Examiner to determine the exact cause and manner of the deaths. The case remains under investigation by the State Police Detectives assigned to the Office of District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz and the Mattapoisett Police. Investigators do not believe that there is a threat to the general public. No further information is being released at this time and no further comment will be made.
Victim of fatal shooting in New Bedford has been identified
November 5, 2009
Contact: Bridget Norton Middleton
(508) 584-8120
NEW BEDFORD, MA -Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz today announced that the individual who was fatally shot today in New Bedford has been identified as Thomas Garnett (DOB: 5-22-77) of 21 Shawmut Avenue, New Bedford, Massachusetts.
No further information is being release at this time.
Michael Goler-Branch is convicted of Trafficking Cocaine
and is sentenced in Superior Court
November 4, 2009
Contact: Bridget Norton Middleton
(508) 584-8120
BROCKTON, MA - District Attorney Timothy Cruz announced that Michael Goler-Branch, 22, of Dorchester was convicted today of Trafficking Cocaine in excess of 200 grams and Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana following a 3 day jury trial in Brockton Superior Court.
Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Locke sentenced the Defendant to no less than 15 years and no more than 15 years and one day in state prison on the trafficking charge, and 2 years in the Plymouth County House of Correction on the Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana charge.
The charges stem from the execution of a search warrant at 110 Summer Street, Kingston on December 19, 2006 following an investigation by the Massachusetts State Police Narcotics Unit assigned to the Plymouth County District Attorney´s Office.
Public Safety Luncheons
For Seniors
October 28, 2009
Contact: Bridget Norton Middleton
(508) 584-8120
PLYMOUTH COUNTY, MA - Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz today announced that his office is sponsoring three Public Safety Luncheons for seniors across Plymouth County during the next month.
The goal of the program is to raise public safety awareness for seniors. A Postal Inspector from the United States Post Office will address the seniors in regards to Identity Theft, Mail Fraud and Telemarketing Scams. District Attorney Tim Cruz will address the seniors on recent scams that are prevalent in Plymouth County, and offer suggestions as to how they can better protect themselves from these con artists. He will also explain the File of Life Program to the seniors, and the importance of having this emergency medical information on hand, as well as educating the seniors on prescription drug abuse. Assistant District Attorney Courtney Cahill will be addressing the participants on the problem of domestic violence of elders. There will be a question and answer period after each speaker.
Each participant will receive a folder of resource materials as well as a file of life. A limited number of seniors from each community will be invited to attend. Attendees are chosen by the Director of their Council on Aging/Senior Center.
- The events are scheduled for:
-
Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009 at the Conference Center at Massasoit,
Participating towns are: Abington, Bridgewater, Brockton, East Bridgewater, Hanson, Hull, Rockland,
West Bridgewater and Whitman. - Friday, Nov. 6, 2009 at Isaac's on the Waterfront, in Plymouth Participating towns are: Plymouth, Kingston, Marshfield, Halifax, Duxbury, Hanover, Scituate, Norwell, Hingham, and Pembroke.
- Friday, Nov. 13, 2009 at Lindsey's Family Restaurant, East Wareham Participating towns are: Plympton, Carver, Wareham, Rochester, Mattapoisett, Marion, Middleboro and Lakeville.
Community Assistance
Expo
October 23, 2009
Contact: Bridget Norton Middleton
(508) 584-8120
BROCKTON & PLYMOUTH, MA - Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Cruz will be sponsoring two Community Assistance Expos; one in Brockton and one in Plymouth.
The mission of the Expo is to create an opportunity for the public, as well as service providers, to gather information on important community services and resources that may assist victims of crime.
When a person has been victimized, the crime runs deeper than the criminal act. The criminal act reaches farther into the lives of crime victims. Victims of crime, including domestic and sexual assault, elder abuse, larceny, drunk driving, fraud and identity theft suffer long-term effects that impact their physical and emotional health, family, and often their financial stability. This Expo is an opportunity to learn about the resources within our own community that can assist you with the collateral effects of crime. Whether you are a victim of a crime, an effected family member or a member of a community organization dedicated to assisting victims of crime, this Expo will give you the opportunity to gather information on important community services and resources.
- The Brockton Expo will be held at Massasoit Conference Center on Thursday November 5, 2009 from 2:00 to 6:00 pm. Vendor set up time will be from 1:15 to 1:45, doors open to the public at 2:00.
- The Plymouth Expo will be held at Plymouth Memorial Hall on Monday October 26, 2009 from 2:00 to 6:00 pm. Vendor set up time will be from 1:15 to 1:45, doors open to the public at 2:00.
As a vendor, your organization can participate by distributing literature and/or answering questions regarding your organization´s resources and services.
As a member of the community you will learn information about numerous services in the community that can help you and your family.
The following topics will be represented:
- Housing Assistance Options
- Multi-service/Mental Health Programs
- Fuel & Utilities Assistance
- Domestic Violence Services
- Food Assistance Programs
- Sexual Assault Services
- Employment Services
- Services for Children
- Financial Assistance
- Holiday Assistance Programs
- Assistance with household/Clothing needs
- Substance Abuse Services
- Services for Elders
- Parental Support Services
- Disabled Persons Services
- Legal Services
- Adaptive Equipment Services
- Public Safety Programs
For more information please contact Tammy Dzialo
at the Plymouth County DA´s Office 508-894-6312.
at the Plymouth County DA´s Office 508-894-6312.
Marvin Taitt has been charged in connection with the shooting death
of Steven Saint Louis
October 20, 2009
Contact: Bridget Norton Middleton
(508) 584-8120
BROCKTON, MA - Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz today announced that Marvin Taitt (DOB: 01-01-88) of Brockton has been charged in connection with the shooting death of Steven Saint Louis which occurred on 09-05-09 in the City of Brockton.
On Saturday, 09/05/09, at approximately 0157 hours, the Brockton Police Department received a call for a shooting that had occurred outside of the Progressions Lounge located at 23 Montello Street in the City of Brockton. Upon arrival at the scene, the responding Brockton officers observed that a victim was lying on the ground on the side of the nightclub. The exact location was in front of 80 Franklin Street. The victim, later identified as Steven Saint Louis
(DOB: 06-14-79), appeared to have suffered from numerous gunshot wounds. Witnesses at the scene also advised the officers that the victim had been shot. Emergency personnel arrived at the location and transported the victim to Brockton Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
On Saturday, 9-5-09 an autopsy was performed on Steven Saint Louis at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Boston. The cause of the death was determined to be multiple gunshot wounds and the manner of death was homicide.
The case has been under investigation by the State Police Detectives assigned to the Plymouth County District Attorney´s Office and Brockton Police Detectives. Witnesses had indicated that Stephen Saint Louis had been involved in a verbal altercation with a black male inside Progressions Lounge. This verbal altercation continued outside Progressions Lounge. At some point the black male with whom Steven Saint Louis was arguing revealed a handgun and fired several shots, striking Steven Saint Louis. The shooter was then seen to flee the area on foot.
Further investigation identified the shooter as Marvin Taitt (DOB: 01-01-88) of Brockton.
Today, following an extensive investigation and search, Marvin Taitt was located in Boston and arrested on an unrelated warrant. He was transferred to the Brockton Police Department where he was charged with murder, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, and unlawful discharge of a firearm in connection with the 09-05-09 shooting of Stephen Saint Louis.
The State Police Detectives assigned to the Plymouth County District Attorney´s Office and the Brockton Police were assisted by members of the US Marshall´s Office, members of the State Police VFAS Unit and the Boston Police Fugitive Unit.
Plymouth District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz stated, "The investigators in this case are to be commended for their hard work in solving this murder. I also want to thank the agencies that assisted us today in apprehending this individual, namely the U.S. Marshall´s Service, the State Police VFAS Unit and the Boston Police."
Marvin Taitt will be arraigned tomorrow in the Brockton District Court.
No further comment will be made.
Verizon Wireless and Plymouth County Law Enforcement
Team Up Against Domestic Violence
October 1, 2009
Contact: Bridget Norton Middleton
(508) 584-8120
Contact: Ariane Doud - Verizon
(978) 499-9250 ext. 239
Wireless Phone Collection Initiated During Domestic Violence Awareness Month;
District Attorney´s Office, Police Departments Offer County-Wide Support
District Attorney´s Office, Police Departments Offer County-Wide Support
WILMINGTON & BROCKTON, MA - Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz announced today that his office and Verizon Wireless are again sponsoring a month-long,
cross-county wireless phone recycling drive in support of the Verizon Wireless´ HopeLine® program, turning unused wireless phones into support for survivors of domestic violence.
Throughout October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, HopeLine® collection boxes are placed at police departments throughout the county, the Plymouth County District Attorney´s offices in Plymouth, Brockton, Hingham and Wareham, Brockton City Hall, and the Hingham Lighting Plant. More than 25 police departments have collection boxes including Abington, Bridgewater, East Bridgewater, West Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Hingham, Hull, Kingston, Lakeville, Marion, Marshfield, Mattapoisett, Middleboro, Norwell, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rochester, Rockland, Scituate, Wareham and Whitman, Mass. Since 2005, the Plymouth County District Attorney´s Office has donated almost 6,000 cell phones and accessories to the HopeLine® program.
"We are excited to work with Verizon Wireless on this important initiative to help domestic violence survivors. Those of us in law enforcement welcome this help from the business community in addressing such an important issue. Verizon Wireless works every day through its HopeLine® program to raise awareness of domestic violence and its consequences at home and in business. The company helps domestic violence agencies obtain the resources they need, while standing shoulder to shoulder with law enforcement to assist survivors at many levels. The donation of wireless phones seems a simple, yet greatly beneficial way for the community at large to get involved with this important cause." said District Attorney Cruz.
At the center of HopeLine® is a phone-recycling program. Verizon Wireless collects no-longer-used wireless phones, batteries and accessories in any condition from any wireless service provider at company stores nationwide. Proceeds from the HopeLine recycling program are used to provide wireless phones and financial grants to local shelters and non-profit organizations that focus on domestic violence prevention and awareness.
Since 2001, HopeLine´s® national phone recycling and reuse program has collected more than 5.6 million phones, awarded more than $6.3 million in cash grants to domestic violence agencies and organizations throughout the country and by the end of this year, will have donated approximately 80,000 HopeLine® phones with more than 270 million minutes of airtime to victims, survivors, and domestic violence organizations.
"Domestic violence touches all walks of life and does not discriminate against age, race or social class. Donating a phone to HopeLine this October is an easy way to support nonprofits that help address this very important issue, especially in this challenging economic climate." said Ken Dixon, Verizon Wireless´ New England region president.
Since 2001, customers have helped Verizon Wireless keep nearly 200 hundred tons of electronic waste and batteries out of landfills by recycling their wireless phones and accessories through HopeLine®.
Amaral Montrond enters a guilty plea
in Brockton Superior Court
September 29, 2009
Contact: Bridget Norton Middleton
(508) 584-8120
BROCKTON, MA -Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz today announced that Amaral Montrond (DOB: 7-4-78) pleaded guilty this morning in Brockton Superior Court.
Montrond was on trial for the 9-2-06 shooting which took place on Crescent Street in Brockton. The guilty plea came on the second day of trial.
Montrond pleaded guilty to the following charges:
- 3 counts of Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon
- 3 counts of Armed Assault with Intent to Murder
- 1 count of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Subsequent Offense
- 1 count of Unlawful Possession of Ammunition
Defense counsel recommended that Montrond be sentenced to 5 years to 5 years and 1 day in State Prison. Judge Elizabeth Donovan sentenced Montrond to 5 years to 5 years and 1 day
in State Prison.
Montrond is also awaiting trial for the August 7, 2007, shooting of Carlita Chaney.
