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Easthampton, MA

Body Pulled From Hampshire County Pond ID'd As Missing 22-Year-Old Easthampton Man Body Pulled From Hampshire County Pond ID'd As Missing 22-Year-Old Easthampton Man
Body Pulled From Hampshire County Pond ID'd As Missing 22-Year-Old Easthampton Man Police believe the body pulled from a Hampshire County lake belongs to a 22-year-old man who has been missing   several days, authorities said.  Rodney Yankson, of Easthampton, was reported missing on Tuesday, Aug. 13, and was found on Friday afternoon at Lower Mill Pond in Easthampton, the Northwestern District Attorney's Office said.  A father and his son who were going fishing found the body.  The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the man's ID and the cause of death.  Yankson's family created a GoFundMe to help pay for his …
Algae Bloom Threatens Wildlife, Pets In Easthampton Pond Algae Bloom Threatens Wildlife, Pets In Easthampton Pond
Algae Bloom Threatens Wildlife, Pets In Easthampton Pond Officials in Hampshire County are telling residents to avoid the Rubber Thread Pond in Easthampton after a toxic algae bloom has taken over the water.  Easthampton leaders posted the warning on the city's Facebook page after tests showed possible signs of the toxic algae cyanobacteria.  The Massachusetts Department of Public Health will continue to conduct tests until the bloom has gone. Until then, residents should avoid swimming, fishing, or touching the water.  Contact with the infected water can cause skin irritation, gastrointestinal distress, liver or ne…
Ex-Western Mass Firefighter Who Secretly Filmed Nude Female Coworkers Gets Prison Time Ex-Western Mass Firefighter Who Secretly Filmed Nude Female Coworkers Gets Prison Time
Nicholas Tillman Sentenced To 8 Months In Prison: DA A former Hampshire County firefighter who admitted to hiding cameras in the women's locker room at the fire station where he worked to capture his female colleagues undressing was sentenced to eight months in prison, authorities announced. Nicholas Tillman, 39, of Westfield, pleaded guilty on April 24 to three counts of videotaping intimate parts of a person without consent, three counts of videotaping an unsuspecting nude person, and one count of attempted illegal wiretap, the Northwestern District Attorney's Office said. He must also register as a sex offender and will serve…
Ex-Western Mass Elementary Paraeducator Busted On Child Sex Abuse Charges Ex-Western Mass Elementary Paraeducator Busted On Child Sex Abuse Charges
Ex-Western Mass Elementary Paraeducator Busted On Child Sex Abuse Charges A former Hampshire County paraeducator has pleaded not guilty to charges that sexually assaulted a student multiple times from 2022 through 2023, authorities said.  Troy Gray, age 57, of Easthampton, was arrested on Thursday, Feb. 22, and charged with five counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 and one count of intimidation of a witness, the Northwestern District Attorney's Office said.  Gray was released on his own recognizance. But he must have no contact with anyone under 16, must stay away from Mountainview School in Easthampton, avoid any contact…
21-Year-Old Man Killed In Western Mass Crash After Car Goes Airborne 21-Year-Old Man Killed In Western Mass Crash After Car Goes Airborne
Southampton Man Killed In Easthampton Crash A 21-year-old Hampshire County man was killed Tuesday morning, Dec. 12, after he blew through a four-way stop in Easthampton, authorities said.  The Southampton man was driving east on Pomeroy Meadow Road when he crashed near the intersection with Loudville Road and Glendale Street just after 6:30 a.m., Easthampton police said.  Police have not released the man's name as they notify his family.  Investigators said he crashed into a guardrail after he went through the four-way stop and briefly went airborne before slamming down into a field near a wooded area. Authoritie…
Woman Accused Of Stabbing Boyfriend To Death In Western Mass Charged With Murder Woman Accused Of Stabbing Boyfriend To Death In Western Mass Charged With Murder
Woman Accused Of Stabbing Boyfriend To Death In Western Mass Charged With Murder A 23-year-old Hampshire County woman who police say stabbed her boyfriend five times during a fight at their home will return to court next week.  Jean Marie Echevarria, of Easthampton, who is charged with murder in the killing of Brennan Bleau, 23, was indicted on July 20, the Northwestern District Attorney's Office said. She will be arraigned on Wednesday, Aug. 9. She previously pleaded not guilty to the murder charge.  Investigators said Echevarria stabbed Bleau multiple times on March 14 at the Culdaff Street apartment they shared in Easthampton. When poli…
Ex-Priest Stole Over $100K From Granby Church To Buy Power Tools, Video Games: DA Ex-Priest Stole Over $100K From Granby Church To Buy Power Tools, Video Games: DA
Ex-Priest Stole Over $100K From Granby Church To Buy Power Tools, Video Games: DA A former Hampshire County Roman catholic priest is accused of spending more than $100,000 of the parish's money to buy himself video games, a riding lawn mower, power tools, and more, officials said.  Tomasz J. Gorny, 43, of Amherst, will be arraigned on a charge of larceny over $1,200 on Friday, June 16, the Northwestern District Attorney's Office said.  Gorny served as a priest of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Granby until the Diocese of Springfield began an internal audit after leaders noticed some accounting irregularities, authorities said. They turned ove…
Drug Ring Bust Leads To 20 Convictions In Western Mass Drug Ring Bust Leads To 20 Convictions In Western Mass
Drug Ring Bust Leads To 20 Convictions In Western Mass Authorities in Western Massachusetts are celebrating as two men, busted as part of a drug ring in 2021, pled guilty on Thursday, June 8. That makes 20 felony convictions since investigators began dismantling the operation in 2021, officials said.  Jason Nadeau, 42, of Ludlow, pleaded guilty to two felony charges of trafficking cocaine and one of conspiracy, the Northwestern District Attorney's Office said.  David Gallegos, 30, of Deerfield, will serve a year of probation after a judge continued without a finding a charge of conspiracy, the prosecutor said. …
'She Loved With All Her Heart': Fund Set Up For Former Easthampton Mom Of 4 Killed In Maryland 'She Loved With All Her Heart': Fund Set Up For Former Easthampton Mom Of 4 Killed In Maryland
'She Loved With All Her Heart': Fund Set Up For Former Easthampton Mom Of 4 Killed In Maryland The family of a 33-year-old former Easthampton woman is demanding answers after she was killed in a multi-vehicle crash in Maryland last week. But right now, they're focused on providing for the four children and fiance she left behind.  Jaleisa Wilcox died on Wednesday, May 31, in Mechanicsville when a suspected speeding Corvette crashed into her and another vehicle, Maryland state police said. Wilcox's Camry rolled over after the impact and slammed into an earthen barrier. She died at the scene.  Her friends have started a GoFundMe to help provide for her family. The campaign has raised …
(UPDATE) Body Of Missing Boater From Springfield Found In Connecticut River (UPDATE) Body Of Missing Boater From Springfield Found In Connecticut River
(Update) Body Of Missing Boater From Springfield Found In Connecticut River UPDATE: Massachusetts State Environmental Police said they found the body of 51-year-old Carlos Lopez in the Connecticut River on Tuesday, May 30, authorities said. He had been missing since his jetski collided with a boat on Sunday.  Investigators found his body near where the collision happened in Easthampton. He was about 15 below the surface and 150 feet from the shore, authorities said. Check back with the Daily Voice for updates as police are expected to release more information this afternoon.  --------------- Massachusetts State Police and nearly a dozen other police…
Man Cops To Dumping Body In Westford After Woman ODs In Car: DA Man Cops To Dumping Body In Westford After Woman ODs In Car: DA
Man Cops To Dumping Body In Westford After Woman ODs In Car: DA A 59-year-old Western Massachusetts man admitted to leaving a woman's body on the side of a Westford road in 2019 after she overdosed in his car, authorities announced on Monday, May 8. He will spend the next seven to eight years behind bars.  Daniel Perras, of Easthampton, pled guilty to destruction of evidence and improper disposal of a body after he left Melissa Mestre in Westford and got rid of her things to avoid being any link to her death, the Middlesex District Attorney's Office said.  Perras picked up Mestre on Jan. 31, 2019, from her home in Springfield and dro…
Missing Light Leads To Stolen Gun, Drug Busts In Chicopee: Police Missing Light Leads To Stolen Gun, Drug Busts In Chicopee: Police
Missing Light Leads To Stolen Gun, Drug Busts In Chicopee: Police Police in Hampden County said they found a gun stolen out of North Carolina and drugs when a routine traffic stop took a sharp turn over the weekend.  Chicopee police spotted the car on Chicopee Street Sunday, May 7, and noticed it didn't have a front license plate or working driver-side brake light, authorities said. They pulled the vehicle over on Grattan Street a few minutes later.  Officers said the driver — a 35-year-old Easthampton man — didn't have a license, and the two passengers weren't wearing their seatbelts. Police arrested the three men and searched the car, where th…
Driver Charged With Killing 2 In Western Mass Crash Pleads Not Guilty: DA Driver Charged With Killing 2 In Western Mass Crash Pleads Not Guilty: DA
Driver Charged With Killing 2 In Western Mass Crash Pleads Not Guilty: DA A 64-year-old Hampshire County man accused of killing a man and woman as they crossed the street in Easthampton last year pleaded not guilty to the charges on Monday, April 3, authorities said.  Stuart Larkin, of South Hadley, faces up to five years in prison if convicted on two counts of negligent motor vehicle homicide and one count of speeding in connection with the August 2022 crash along Route 10, the Northwestern District Attorney's Office said. The charges are misdemeanors.  Larkin is accused of crashing into Edward O. Hanlon Jr., 81, and Ilona L. Murray, 60, as they c…
Killing In Easthampton: Woman Charged With Stabbing 23-Year-Old Man To Death Killing In Easthampton: Woman Charged With Stabbing 23-Year-Old Man To Death
Killing In Easthampton: Woman Charged With Stabbing 23-Year-Old Man To Death A 23-year-old woman was arrested on Tuesday, March 14, and charged with killing a man overnight, authorities said.  Easthampton police were called to the Culdaff Street home just after 3 a.m., where they found a man suffering from multiple stab wounds, the Northwestern District Attorney's Office said. Paramedics rushed him to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, but he died of his injuries around an hour later.  A 23-year-old woman was arrested and will be charged with murder, authorities said. Prosecutors have not released the woman's name as of Tuesday afternoon.  This …
20 LBs Of Coke, $100K In Cash, Guns: Drug Ring Bust Nabs 8 In Springfield, Police Say 20 LBs Of Coke, $100K In Cash, Guns: Drug Ring Bust Nabs 8 In Springfield, Police Say
20 LBs Of Coke, $100K In Cash, Guns: Drug Ring Bust Nabs 8 In Springfield, Police Say A multi-organizational investigation disrupted a drug ring in Western Massachusetts over a month where police arrested eight people and seized millions worth of drugs, guns, and more than $100,000 cash, authorities said.  The arrested began on Jan. 27 and continued through Feb. 17, Massachusetts State Police said in a Wednesday, March 8, news release. During a series of several raids, officers and agents found 9.5 kilograms of cocaine, 2.3 kilos of fentanyl packaged to look like heroin, 111,2000 baggies, 28 grams of fentanyl pills, 18 pounds of marijuana, $104,000 in cash, authorities said.…
Double Fatal Crash: Driver Charged With Killing Couple In 2022 Western Mass Crash, DA Says Double Fatal Crash: Driver Charged With Killing Couple In 2022 Western Mass Crash, DA Says
Double Fatal Crash: Driver Charged With Killing Couple In 2022 Western Mass Crash, DA Says A 64-year-old western Massachusetts man who hit and killed a couple last year in Hampshire County will face manslaughter charges in the deaths, authorities announced on Tuesday, March 7.  Stuart A. Larkin, 64, of South Hadley, is accused of crashing into Edward O. Hanlon Jr., 81, and Ilona L. Murray, 60, on Aug. 2 as they walked across Route 10 near Burger King, the Northwestern District Attorney's Office said.  Easthampton police and State Police troopers who investigated the crash ruled that Larkin should have seen Hanlon and Murray and been able to avoid the…
Parking Bans In Effect For These Western Mass Towns Ahead Of Winter Weather Parking Bans In Effect For These Western Mass Towns Ahead Of Winter Weather
Parking Bans In Effect For These Western Mass Towns Ahead Of Winter Weather As heavy snows bear down on most of the Northeast Friday, March 3, several towns in western Massachusetts have implemented parking bans.  Related: Updated Snow Fall Predictions For The Northeast Here is a collection of some of those bans. Violators may have their vehicles towed and ticketed.  AGAWAM No parking is allowed from 12 a.m. Saturday, March 4 until 12 p.m. Saturday, March 4. AMHERST A parking ban on all town streets and lots begins at 12 a.m. Saturday and remains in effect until 7 a.m. However, parking is allowed in three areas.  The lower level of the parking …
IDs Release For Pedestrian Duo Killed By Car In Western Massachusetts IDs Release For Pedestrian Duo Killed By Car In Western Massachusetts
IDs Release For Pedestrian Duo Killed By Car In Western Massachusetts Editor's Note: A previous version of this article said the involved driver was from Hadley. That information has since been corrected.  Authorities have identified the two people who were recently hit and killed by a car in Western Massachusetts as Edward O. Hanlon Jr., age 81 and Ilona L. Murray, age 60. The incident occurred on Northampton Road (Route 10) near the Burger King in Easthampton, around 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 2, Northwestern District Attorney's Office reports.  Both victims were Easthampton residents. The driver of the involved vehi…
2 Pedestrians Struck, Killed By Car In Western Massachusetts 2 Pedestrians Struck, Killed By Car In Western Massachusetts
2 Pedestrians Struck, Killed By Car In Western Massachusetts Two people have died after they were hit by a car in Western Massachusetts Tuesday evening, Aug. 2, the Northwestern District Attorney's Office reports. The 81-year-old man and 60-year-old woman were killed in the crash that occurred on Northampton Road (Route 10) near the Burger King in Easthampton, the office reports. Both victims lived in Easthampton. The driver of the involved vehicle, a Hadley man, stayed on scene and worked with police. The cause of the accident is under investigation.
12 Arrested After Police Seize Illegal ATVs, Bikes In Springfield 12 Arrested After Police Seize Illegal ATVs, Bikes In Springfield
12 Arrested After Police Seize Illegal ATVs, Bikes In Springfield Police in Western Massachusetts seized 14 off-highway vehicles and arrested 12 people during a special detail to remove illegal vehicles from the roadways. During the multi-day detail in Springfield, officers seized the vehicles which included nine dirt bikes, two unregistered motorcycles, and three ATVs, said Ryan Walsh, spokesman for the Springfield Police. One of the ATVs seized.Springfield Police Department In addition to the above, one motorized bike was also seized, he said. Springfield Police Superintendent Cheryl Clapprood stated, “Illegal dirt bikes have continued to be a nuis…
Car Crashes Into Business In Hampshire County Car Crashes Into Business In Hampshire County
Car Crashes Into Business In Hampshire County A store was able to remain open after a car hit the front of the building in Western Massachusetts. The incident took place in Hampshire County when a car jumped the curb and struck the Family Dollar store in Easthampton on Union Street by the front door. No one was injured and the business was able to stay open, said the Easthampton Fire Department.
33-Year-Old Killed After Vehicle Crashes Down In Embankment In Region 33-Year-Old Killed After Vehicle Crashes Down In Embankment In Region
33-Year-Old Killed After Vehicle Crashes Down In Embankment In Region Police are continuing to investigate a fatal crash in Western Massachusetts that left a 33-year-old man dead. The man was found around 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 28 by a bicyclist passing by the scene of the crash in Hampshire County down a steep embankment in Williamsburg, said Laurie Loisel, director of Communications for the Northwest District Attorney's Office.  According to Loisel, the vehicle could not be seen by passing motorists, and it is unknown exactly when the crash occurred. State Police said when they arrived on the scene, they found a 2004 MINI Cooper that, for r…
Storm Ida: How Much Rain Did You Get? A Look At Totals From Massachusetts Storm Ida: How Much Rain Did You Get? A Look At Totals From Massachusetts
Storm Ida: How Much Rain Did You Get? A Look At Totals From Massachusetts There have now been 42 confirmed fatalities after Ida battered the Northeast with historic rainfall and flash flooding. In New York City, more than 3 inches of rainfall fell in one hour in Central Park on Wednesday, Sept. 1, smashing the previous record. Here is a look at some rainfall totals from throughout Massachusetts compiled on the day after, on Thursday, Sept. 2, by the National Weather Service. Boston, 4.20 inches Berkshire County Pittsfield, 2.16 inches Franklin County Northfield, 2.43 inches Sunderland, 3.02 inches Warwick, 2.35 inches Hampden County Agawam, 5.13 inc…
Accused Dealer Nabbed With Heroin In Western Mass Stop, Police Say Accused Dealer Nabbed With Heroin In Western Mass Stop, Police Say
Accused Dealer Nabbed With Heroin In Western Mass Stop, Police Say A routine traffic stop of a driver in Western Massachusetts led to a drug charge for an alleged dealer who was in possession of heroin, police said. Officers from the Ware Police Department stopped a driver at approximately 10:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 20 after he allegedly blew through a stop sign on South Street. During the subsequent stop, police said that the driver, Easthampton resident Emmett Harvin was found in possession of heroin “consistent with distribution,” and he was taken into custody by officers without incident. Harvin, age 46, was charged with illegal possession of a Class …
Missing Man Identified As Person Found In CT River, DA Says Missing Man Identified As Person Found In CT River, DA Says
Missing Man Identified As Person Found In CT River, DA Says A body discovered by a kayaker in the Connecticut River has been identified as that of a missing 67-year-old  Western Massachusetts man, who hasn't been seen in nearly two months. Northwestern District Attorney spokeswoman Laurie Loisel confirmed the body was that of Franklin County resident Geoffrey Arthur, of Sutherland, who was reported missing on Monday, March 29. Arthur, who was known as “Randy,” had last been seen by his family on Sunday, March 28, said the Sunderland Police. Police and firefighters, as well as state police, had been searching for Arthur in the area of Route 47 …
Western Mass Business Owner Accused Of Scheme To Defraud State Of Sales Tax Western Mass Business Owner Accused Of Scheme To Defraud State Of Sales Tax
Western Mass Business Owner Accused Of Scheme To Defraud State Of Sales Tax A Western Massachusetts business owner has been indicted in an alleged scheme in which he sold software that allowed restaurants to delete cash sales from cash registers and keep meal taxes paid by customers. Hampden County resident Paul K. Backholm, age 53, of Westfield, was charged and arraigned on Friday, April 9, said Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey. The AG’s Office alleges from 2010 to 2015, Backholm, who owns a company that sells cash registers, sold sales suppression software to restaurants for cash that enabled the restaurants to delete cash sales, keep the meals tax t…
Woman Charged After Western Mass Heroin Distribution Investigation Woman Charged After Western Mass Heroin Distribution Investigation
Woman Charged After Western Mass Heroin Distribution Investigation A lengthy investigation into heroin distribution in Western Massachusetts led to the arrest of a woman who was busted with drugs and illegal ammo, police said. The Massachusetts State Police Commonwealth Interstate Narcotics Reduction Enforcement (CINRET) West Team launched an investigation into a Hampden County heroin distribution operation earlier this year, officials said, following complaints from the community about potential drug distribution. During that investigation, police said that detectives identified a Holyoke residence where suspect Yaileen Santiago-Cosme lived, as a point of…
COVID-19: New List Released Of Western Mass Zones At High Risk For Spread COVID-19: New List Released Of Western Mass Zones At High Risk For Spread
Covid-19: New List Released Of Western Mass Zones At High Risk For Spread More communities in Western Massachusetts are in the COVID-19 “red zone,” while nearly two dozen more have also seen an uptick in cases and have been placed into “yellow zones.” The Massachusetts Department of Public Health released its weekly COVID-19 health report on Thursday, April 8, highlighting the areas of the state that have seen an increase in new cases in relation to the area's population. Under the state’s new criteria, the Department of Public Health is taking population size into account when determining which are deemed “high-risk,” “medium-risk,” or “low-risk.” In the latest…
COVID-19: 11 Western Mass Communities At High Risk For Virus Spread COVID-19: 11 Western Mass Communities At High Risk For Virus Spread
Covid-19: 11 Western Mass Communities At High Risk For Virus Spread More communities in Western Massachusetts are in the COVID-19 “red zone,” while nearly two dozen more have also seen an uptick in cases and have been placed into “yellow zones.” The Massachusetts Department of Public Health released its weekly COVID-19 health report on Thursday, April 1, highlighting the areas of the state that have seen an increase in new cases in relation to the area's population. Under the state’s new criteria, the Department of Public Health is taking population size into account when determining which are deemed “high-risk,” “medium-risk,” or “low-risk.” In the latest…
'Classic' Pizza Place With Four MA Locations Touted For Unique, Tasty Combinations 'Classic' Pizza Place With Four MA Locations Touted For Unique, Tasty Combinations
'Classic' Pizza Place With Four MA Locations Touted For Unique, Tasty Combinations Often imitated, but never duplicated, the toppings at Antonio’s Pizza By The Slice are truly unique and reworked into surprising and tasty combinations. The pizzeria, with 8 locations - including Worcester, Amherst, Easthampton, and Belchertown - has toppings that include nacho chips, black beans, tortellini, potato, Ritz crackers, steak, Alfredo sauce, vegan cheese, and squash. Pizza-makers take these ingredients and turn them into pies like the Avocado Quesadilla, Chicken Bacon Ranch (which may be the most popular pizza on the menu), Honey Mustard Chicken, Don Giovanni, and the Tortellini…
COVID-19: These Five Western Mass Communities At High Risk For Spread, DPH Says COVID-19: These Five Western Mass Communities At High Risk For Spread, DPH Says
Covid-19: These Five Western Mass Communities At High Risk For Spread, DPH Says Five communities in western Massachusetts are in the COVID-19 “red zone,” while nearly two dozen more have also seen an uptick in cases and have been placed into “yellow zones.” The Massachusetts Department of Public Health released its weekly COVID-19 health report on Thursday, March 25, highlighting the areas of the state that have seen an increase in new cases in relation to the area's population. Under the state’s new criteria, the Department of Public Health is taking population size into account when determining which are deemed “high-risk,” “medium-risk,” or “low-risk.” In the lates…