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Hampden County, MA

Chicopee Man Gets Up To 13 Years In Prison For Raping Multiple Children: DA Chicopee Man Gets Up To 13 Years In Prison For Raping Multiple Children: DA
Chicopee Man Gets Up To 13 Years In Prison For Raping Multiple Children: DA A Hampden County man found guilty of multiple heinous crimes against two children will spend more than a decade behind bars, a judge ruled this week.  Kenneth Arroyo, 41, of Chicopee, was sentenced to 12 to 13 years in prison after being convicted of two counts each of aggravated rape of a child, indecent assault and battery over 14, and indecent assault and battery under 14, the Hampden District Attorney said.  A jury convicted Arroyo on April 9, and he was sentenced on Tuesday, April 23.  Arroyo was accused of sexually abusing two children he knew who were between the ages…
Prostitution Sting: 7 Busted Trying To Pay Holyoke Cops For Sex Prostitution Sting: 7 Busted Trying To Pay Holyoke Cops For Sex
Prostitution Sting: 7 Busted Trying To Pay Holyoke Cops For Sex Seven men were arrested in Hampden County earlier this week for trying to pay an undercover officer for sex in a sting.  Hokyoke police conducted the operation to target human trafficking in the city, authorities said.  Related: 5 Charged In Springfield Undercover Prostitution Sting Each of the men was charged with soliciting sex for a fee, officials said.  Those arrested are: Jorge Lopez — 49 years old Jose Santiago — 68 years old Christopher Laines — 34 years old Josue Ortiz — 29 years old Sarom Soeng — 47 years old Guy Flathers — 72 years old Joseph Fournier — 61 years…
Thousands Raised To Help Young Son Of Holyoke Police Officer Diagnosed With Leukemia Thousands Raised To Help Young Son Of Holyoke Police Officer Diagnosed With Leukemia
Thousands Raised To Help Young Son Of Holyoke Police Officer Diagnosed With Leukemia A Massachusetts community has come together to raise tens of thousands of dollars to go toward helping a police officer's brave 11-month-old son fight a tough battle against cancer. The outpouring of support began after Hampden County police officer Crystal Conroy, a member of the Holyoke Police Department, learned her 11-month-old son Ashton has leukemia.  After the harrowing diagnosis was made, Conroy was forced to leave work for the foreseeable future to take care of Ashton as he fights the disease. Additionally, more strain was placed on the family, as Conroy's husband Ch…
Man Killed In Western Mass Convenience Store Armed Robbery ID'd: Police Man Killed In Western Mass Convenience Store Armed Robbery ID'd: Police
Man Killed In Western Mass Convenience Store Armed Robbery ID'd: Police A man who attempted to rob a Hampden County convenience store and later died of his wounds has been identified as a 53-year-old South Hadley man, authorities said.  Robert Papalardo died Thursday night, April 18, after paramedics rushed him to Baystate Medical Center following the shooting in Chicopee just before 6:30 p.m., the Hampden County District Attorney's Office said.  An initial investigation found that Papalardo tried to rob the Zain’s Smoke Shop & Convenience on Montgomery Street when shots were fired, police said. Authorities said Papalardo was armed. …
Victim Dies From Wounds In Western Mass Convenience Store Shooting Victim Dies From Wounds In Western Mass Convenience Store Shooting
Victim Dies From Wounds In Western Mass Convenience Store Shooting A person who was shot on Thursday, April 18, at a Hampden County convenience store has died, authorities said.  The shooting happened in Chicopee around 5:30 p.m. at Zain’s Smoke Shop & Convenience on Montgomery Street. Paramedics rushed the victim to an area hospital, where they died later that night, Chicopee Police said.  Police have released few details about the shooting or the victim.  Investigators say there is no ongoing threat to the community.  Chicopee police are investigating the killing.  Follow the Daily Voice for updates on this developing…
No Bail For Man Accused Of Fatally Stabbing Western Mass Girlfriend: DA No Bail For Man Accused Of Fatally Stabbing Western Mass Girlfriend: DA
No Bail For Man Accused Of Fatally Stabbing Western Mass Girlfriend: DA A Springfield man charged with stabbing his girlfriend to death before cutting himself, authorities said.  Jason Chapdelaine is charged with murder and was ordered held without bail for allegedly killing a mother of two on Sunday, April 14, Hampden County authorities said.  A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf during his arraignment.  Eileen Monaghan, 48, of Chicopee, was found dead around 1:30 a.m. She had been stabbed, police said.  Hampden County Sheriff's Office Chapdelaine was found nearby at the 200 block home on South Water Street home, bleeding from wh…
Western Mass Mom Of 2 Allegedly Killed By Boyfriend ID'd As Sheriff's Assistant: DA Western Mass Mom Of 2 Allegedly Killed By Boyfriend ID'd As Sheriff's Assistant: DA
Western Mass Mom Of 2 Allegedly Killed By Boyfriend ID'd As Sheriff's Assistant: DA A 48-year-old Hampden County woman who was found stabbed to death in Holyoke next to her boyfriend was the executive assistant to Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi, authorities said.  Eileen Monaghan, of Chicopee, and a mother to two daughters, was found on Sunday, April 14, around 1:30 a.m. in a home on South Water Street after police were called for suspicious activity, officials said.  Police found Eileen on the ground next to her boyfriend, Jason Chapdelaine, who was suffering from stab wounds, police said. Investigators later ruled those cuts were self-inflicted.  …
(Update) Man Charged With Fatal Shooting Of Western Mass Woman (Update) Man Charged With Fatal Shooting Of Western Mass Woman
(Update) Man Charged With Fatal Shooting Of Western Mass Woman Update: Police arrested and charged a 37-year-old Springfield man with shooting and killing a West Springfield woman on Wednesday morning, April 3.  Roman Holguin is charged with murder in the shooting of a woman found on Riverdale Road.  Original: Police in Hampden County are investigating after a woman was shot and killed on Wednesday morning, April 3.  The shooting happened around 10:45 a.m. in the 500 block of Riverdale Road in West Springfield, police said. Officers were called to the area for a report of a disturbance.  When they arrived, they found a woman …
Blake Scanlon Given Life In Prison For Stabbing Girlfriend To Death: DA Blake Scanlon Given Life In Prison For Stabbing Girlfriend To Death: DA
Blake Scanlon Given Life In Prison For Stabbing Girlfriend To Death: DA Blake Scanlon, the 27-year-old Westfield man found guilty of killing his girlfriend, will spend the rest of his life in prison following his conviction last week.  A judge sentenced Scanlon to life without parole for the 2019 stabbing of Alexis Avery, the Hampden County District Attorney said on Tuesday, April 2. The couple had an infant child together.  A jury found him guilty last week of stabbing Avery multiple times on Jan. 13, 2019.  Police were called to the home they shared on White Street after Scanlon called 911 to report he had been attacked. Police found Aver…
Man's Months-Long Neglect Led To Western Mass Mother's Agonizing Death, DA Says Man's Months-Long Neglect Led To Western Mass Mother's Agonizing Death, DA Says
Man's Months-Long Neglect Led To Western Mass Mother's Agonizing Death, DA Says A Hampden County man has been charged with a "galling" crime after he left his ill mother in a bed for months without moving her, causing severe infections and illness that led to her death, authorities said.  David Reed, 59, of Southwick, was charged with involuntary manslaughter, a caretaker permitting serious bodily injury to an elderly or disabled person, abuse/neglect/mistreatment to an elderly or disabled person, the Hampden County District Attorney said. He was arraigned last week and was being held on a $25,000 bail. David Reed is accused of causing the death of his 79-yea…
Police ID Man Who Stole Car With Baby Inside In Western Mass Police ID Man Who Stole Car With Baby Inside In Western Mass
Police ID Man Who Stole Car With Baby Inside In Western Mass Police have identified the man who sparked a statewide Amber Alert when he stole a vehicle in Western Massachusetts, on Friday morning, March 29, that had a 3-year-old baby inside.  Vadim Vorobyov, age 52, of Springfield, is charged with kidnapping, child endangerment, and fugitive from justice in Connecticut and is also expected to be charged with kidnapping, child endangerment, and motor vehicle larceny in Massachusetts, State Police said.  Vorobyov stole the running car when he came across it outside of a home on Exchange Street in Chicopee around 8:40 a.m., police said. T…
2 Charged With Car-To-Car Fatal Shooting That Killed Father Of 1 In Western Mass 2 Charged With Car-To-Car Fatal Shooting That Killed Father Of 1 In Western Mass
2 Charged With Car-To-Car Fatal Shooting That Killed Father Of 1 In Western Mass A Hampden County teenager and 22-year-old woman have been charged in connection with the death of a father of one as they drove along I-391 earlier this month, authorities said.  Noah Torres, 19, of Springfield, and Kiana Gonzalez, 22, of Holyoke, are linked to the death of 35-year-old Guyton Winspeare, 35, of Chicopee on March 12, the Hampden County District Attorney said. The shooting happened just before 8:45 p.m. between exits 3 and 4 on I-391 South in Chicopee when one person fired shots into another car on the interstate. Two people were injured in the shooting, and the…
Troopers Raid Fentanyl Mill, Drug Den In Chicopee; 1 Suspect Wanted For Murder: Police Troopers Raid Fentanyl Mill, Drug Den In Chicopee; 1 Suspect Wanted For Murder: Police
Troopers Raid Fentanyl Mill, Drug Den In Chicopee; 1 Suspect Wanted For Murder: Police A two-month investigation has uprooted a fentanyl pill mill and drug-dealing operation in Hampden County, authorities announced.  Arlin Radhames Troncoso, 43, and Wanfel Salvador Aristy Alcantara, 28, both of Chicopee, were arrested earlier this week following a raid at two homes — 80 Pine St. and 33 Southwick St., State Police said.  Officers began investigating the duo in January when they were alerted to a fentanyl operation in Chicopee and in other areas of Hampden County.  Police searched 80 Pine Street and found more than two pounds of cocaine and 256 raw grams of…
6 Western Mass Teens Held Mock 'Slave Auction,' Made Racist Comments On Social Media: DA 6 Western Mass Teens Held Mock 'Slave Auction,' Made Racist Comments On Social Media: DA
6 Western Mass Teens Held Mock 'Slave Auction,' Made Racist Comments On Social Media: DA Six Hampden County eighth-grade students have been charged in juvenile court after chat logs were discovered where they made threats against minority students, used racist slurs, shared racist memes and comments, and held a mock "slave auction" for two black classmates, authorities said.  Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni held a press conference on Thursday, March 14, explaining his decision to charge the Southwick Regional School students. He called their online chat "vile, cruel, and contemptible" in a news release.  Hatred and racism have no place in this community. …
Yogurt Shop In Western Mass Took Workers' Tips, Fired Employee After They Spoke Out: Feds Yogurt Shop In Western Mass Took Workers' Tips, Fired Employee After They Spoke Out: Feds
Yogurt Shop In Western Mass Took Workers' Tips, Fired Employee After They Spoke Out: Feds The owners of multiple frozen yogurt shops in Hampshire and Hampden counties must pay nearly $25,000 in back pay and damages after firing an employee who complained about missing tips, authorities said.  A former employee of the Tutti Frutti yogurt shop in the Holyoke Mall said the owners, TF Holyoke LLC, fired them after they complained about withheld tips to the US Department of Labor.  TF Holyoke admitted to taking some of their employees' tips to pay business expenses, the labor department said. It's illegal for owners and managers to take part in tip pools.&nbs…
Western Mass Man Gets 20 Years For Sexually Abusing Child, Filming It: Feds Western Mass Man Gets 20 Years For Sexually Abusing Child, Filming It: Feds
Western Mass Man Gets 20 Years For Sexually Abusing Child, Filming It: Feds A 36-year-old Hampden County man who admitted to sexually abusing a child was sentenced Wednesday, March 6, to two decades behind bars, federal authorities said.  Michael Geoffroy, of Chicopee, pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual exploitation of a child, three counts of distribution of child pornography, and one count of possession of child sexual abuse material on Feb. 16, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said.  Geoffroy was accused of creating two videos and images of child sexual abuse material in December 2020 and distributing them to an online chat group the same day, t…
Popular Western Mass Pizzeria To Close After 50 Years Popular Western Mass Pizzeria To Close After 50 Years
Popular Western Mass Pizzeria To Close After 50 Years A beloved pizzeria in Hampden County announced it will close its doors for good on Tuesday, March 5.  Elm Pizzeria, at 38 N. Elm St. in Westfield, has been in business for 50 years, but the owners — brothers Nick and Steve Theodorakis — decided to sell the property to Westfield Electroplating Company, according to WWLP.  The brothers intended to close on Wednesday, March 6, but overwhelming customer support has deleted their supplies, the restaurant said on its Facebook page.  We will be open tomorrow at 11am. We had originally planned to be open until Wednesd…
Western Mass Man Charged With DUI While Driving Wrong Direction In CT Western Mass Man Charged With DUI While Driving Wrong Direction In CT
Western Mass Man Charged With DUI While Driving Wrong Direction In CT A Blink alert that a vehicle was driving in the wrong direction on a busy CT highway led to the arrest of a man found in his Nissan Altima stuck in the mud and allegedly driving under the influence. The incident occurred in Hartford County on I-91 northbound around  10:30 p.m., Saturday, March 2, in Windsor near the exit 35 off-ramp. On scene, Connecticut State Troopers reported they found Hampden County, Massachusetts resident Ian Daniel Britt, age 24, of Springfield, stuck in the muddy right shoulder of the highway. An investigation revealed that Britt had driven the wrong…
Springfield Murder Suspect Caught In South Carolina Springfield Murder Suspect Caught In South Carolina
Springfield Murder Suspect Caught In South Carolina A 36-year-old Hampden County man wanted in connection with a Jan. 31 fatal shooting in Springfield has been arrested in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, authorities announced.  Jermaine Atkins, of Westfield, was arrested on Thursday, Feb. 29, on a fugitive from justice warrant after Springfield police tracked him to South Carolina and relayed the information to officers there, authorities said.  Atkins is accused of shooting Nicorie Adams, age 30, of Springfield, around 4:20 p.m. in the 0 to 100 block of Rochelle Street. Adams and an unnamed woman were in a car when they were bo…
Western Mass Man Charged With Killing Anthony Goss In Springfield; GoFundMe Created For Victim Western Mass Man Charged With Killing Anthony Goss In Springfield; GoFundMe Created For Victim
Western Mass Man Charged With Killing Anthony Goss In Springfield; GoFundMe Created For Victim A Hampden County man was arrested and charged with killing a 23-year-old earlier this week in Springfield, authorities said.  Tyreese Amaro, 25, of East Longmeadow, is charged with murder, discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a building, and several firearm felonies, Springfield police said.  Related: Police ID Man Killed In Springfield Amaro is accused of fatally shooting Anthony Goss, of Westfield, on Monday, Feb. 26, in his car in the 700 block of Bay Street near the intersection with Tapley Street, police said. The 23-year-old Goss died at the scene.  Police to…
(UPDATE) 23-Year-Old ID'd As Man Shot, Killed In Car In Springfield (UPDATE) 23-Year-Old ID'd As Man Shot, Killed In Car In Springfield
(Update) 23-Year-Old ID'd As Man Shot, Killed In Car In Springfield Update: Police have arrested a man they say is responsible for the killing of Anthony Goss. Click here for more information on that story.  Original: Police have identified the 23-year-old who was found shot to death inside his car on Monday, Feb. 26.  Anthony Goss, of Westfield, was found in the 700 block of Bay St. near the intersection with Tapley Street when police responded to reports of gunshots, the Hampden County District Attorney said.  Police have released few details about the shooting, but investigators urge anyone with information on the shooting to co…
Man With Dementia Found Lying In Snow In Russell; K9 Leads Police To His Location Man With Dementia Found Lying In Snow In Russell; K9 Leads Police To His Location
Man With Dementia Found Lying In Snow In Russell; K9 Leads Police To His Location An 87-year-old Hampden County man is likely alive today thanks to the efforts of a Massachusetts State Police dog named Orry.  The man, who suffers from dementia, had wandered off from his home in Russell in the area of Blanford Road on Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 21. He was missing for more than eight hours on a frighteningly cold day. Records show the temperature didn't get above 40 degrees that day.  Russell police and state troopers quickly began canvassing the area in the hopes of finding him. it wasn't until a K9 unit found footprints in the snow that searchers got their first…
2 Injured In Western Mass Blaze Likely Caused By Oxygen Tank 2 Injured In Western Mass Blaze Likely Caused By Oxygen Tank
2 Injured In Western Mass Blaze Likely Caused By Oxygen Tank Fire investigators believe a fire that injured two people on Monday, Feb. 19, in Hampden County began from a medical oxygen tank.  Firefighters responded to 68 State St. in Ludlow just before 5:30 p.m. to reports of a fire. They found two older adults, both injured, trapped inside, state firefighting officials said.  Paramedics rushed both of them to an area hospital for treatment, and one was later taken to a Boston hospital for additional care.  The fire remains under investigation, but officials believe the oxygen tanks found inside the home played a role in the intensity…
Community Falling For Cupid, Injured Dog Found In Western Mass Road, But Vet Bills Climbing Community Falling For Cupid, Injured Dog Found In Western Mass Road, But Vet Bills Climbing
Community Falling For Cupid, Injured Dog Found In Western Mass Road, But Vet Bills Climbing A puppy found running through traffic in Hampden County on Valentine's Day has captured the hearts of many people. But caring for the aptly named Cupid is costly, and her caretakers are asking the community to help.  Cupid was found on Feb. 14 near the Milltown Animal Control office in Palmer. Officials believe someone dropped off the injured animal in the parking lot, and she got scared and ran onto the nearby roadway.  The severely injured animal was rescued and taken to Monson Animal Clinic for treatment. Posts about her on social media have hundreds of likes, shares, and…
Prostitution Sting: 5 Busted Trying To Pay Springfield Cop For Sex Prostitution Sting: 5 Busted Trying To Pay Springfield Cop For Sex
Prostitution Sting: 5 Busted Trying To Pay Springfield Cop For Sex Several men found themselves in handcuffs on Thursday, Feb. 15, after they hired what they thought was a prostitute online, but when they showed up, they were met by police.  Springfield police posed as online escorts, where men would offer to pay money in exchange for sexual services inside a hotel room. But unbeknownst to them, the room was filled with Springfield police officers and Hampden County Sheriff's deputies. Related: Westfield Massage Parlor Owners Charged In Prostitution Bust Officers arrested five men from 1 until 7 p.m. as they showed up to the designated hotel room a…
Man, 65, Killed Crossing Holyoke Street Man, 65, Killed Crossing Holyoke Street
Man, 65, Killed Crossing Holyoke Street A 65-year-old man was killed after being hit by a car as he crossed the road in Hampden County earlier this week.  The Holyoke man was crossing near the intersection of South Street and Charles Street around 6 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 11, authorities said.  Paramedics rushed him to Baystate Medical Center, where he died of his injuries.  The driver who hit him remained on the scene and called 911. No charges have been filed as of Thursday.  Police have not released the man's name as they notify his family.  The crash is under investigation, and no charges had been fi…
Western Mass Restaurant To Temporarily Close; Owners Plan Revamp, Work On New Eatery Western Mass Restaurant To Temporarily Close; Owners Plan Revamp, Work On New Eatery
Western Mass Restaurant To Temporarily Close; Owners Plan Revamp, Work On New Eatery The owners of The Federal in Hampden County said they would close one of their locations beginning later this month as they update the restaurant and prepare to launch another eatery. Michael Presnal, executive chef and co-owner of The Federal, said in a news release that the 135 Cooper Street restaurant would close on Feb. 24 for an undisclosed period of time.  "We have made small updates to the restaurant since opening 22 years ago, but we are at a point where we’d like to reimagine the physical and operational aspects of The Federal Restaurant," he said in a news …
Man Kidnaps Woman At Knifepoint In Western Mass, Forces Her Into Hotel Room: Police Man Kidnaps Woman At Knifepoint In Western Mass, Forces Her Into Hotel Room: Police
Man Kidnaps Woman At Knifepoint In Western Mass, Forces Her Into Hotel Room: Police A Hampden County man is accused of robbing a couple in West Springfield before forcing the woman at knifepoint to go with him to a hotel, where he planned to rape her, authorities said.  Michael Hunter, of Leeds, is charged with armed robbery, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, kidnapping, assault to commit rape, and assault and battery, West Springfield police said. Officers were called to the area of 1130 Riverdale St. in West Springfield around 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 7, to reports of a man assaulting a man and woman at knifepoint. Witnesses said the man forced the …
Ring Stolen From Dead Veteran Returned To Family; Springfield Nursing Assistant Charged Ring Stolen From Dead Veteran Returned To Family; Springfield Nursing Assistant Charged
Ring Stolen From Dead Veteran Returned To Family; Springfield Nursing Assistant Charged A wedding ring stolen from a recently deceased veteran in Hampden County has been returned to the man's family after a Massachusetts State Trooper tracked it to a pawn shop. A nursing assistant who'd helped care for the man admitted to taking the ring and selling it, authorities said.  Antonio Bell, 53, of Springfield, is charged with theft from a person over 65, theft from a building, and receiving stolen property, State Police said. Bell had cared for the veteran for three years.  Trooper Jonah Vaclavicek, stationed at the Northampton barracks, spent two weeks investigating…
Man Guilty Of Drunken Crash That Killed 47-Year-Old Springfield Father Of 2: DA Man Guilty Of Drunken Crash That Killed 47-Year-Old Springfield Father Of 2: DA
Man Guilty Of Drunken Crash That Killed 47-Year-Old Springfield Father Of 2: DA A Hampden County jury found a 39-year-old man Springfield man guilty of a 2018 drunken fatal crash, authorities announced.  Misael Sanchez was found guilty of manslaughter while operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol on Friday, Feb. 2, the Hampden County District Attorney's Office said. A judge sentenced him to 7 to 10 years in prison.  Sanchez crashed his Acura into a Christopher Martin's Toyota just after 4:30 a.m. on Parker Street on Aug. 4, 2018.  Paramedics rushed Martin to Baystate Medical Center, but doctors were unable to save the 47-year-old's…
Massage Parlor Owners Busted On Prostitution, Sex Trafficking Charges In Western Mass Massage Parlor Owners Busted On Prostitution, Sex Trafficking Charges In Western Mass
Massage Parlor Owners Busted On Prostitution, Sex Trafficking Charges In Western Mass A couple who ran a Hampden County massage parlor were using it as a brothel, police in Westfield announced on Thursday, Feb. 1.  Todd and Baushun Simonds, both of Holyoke, were arrested after police raided the Southampton Road Massage and Body Work at 282 Southampton Road in Westfield, Westfield police said.  Police had been investigating the couple for some time and had determined they were trafficking in women to perform sexual favors on customers for money, though, the workers were not being paid, police said. The only money they kept were the tips they received from their…