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Worcester County, MA

Oxford Man Coerced Multiple Children Into Making Child Porn: Feds Oxford Man Coerced Multiple Children Into Making Child Porn: Feds
Oxford Man Coerced Multiple Children Into Making Child Porn: Feds A 41-year-old Worcester County man is accused of multiple sex crimes against children, including coercing several into producing child sexual assault material, authorities announced on Friday, April 26.  Michael Lamountain, of Oxford, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, one count of sex trafficking of a minor, and four counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said.  He was previously arrested and charged in February with a Rhode Island man for filming their assault of an underage girl. He has remained in custod…
Man Sexually Assaulted Child In Central Mass After Luring Her Into His Car At Beach: Police Man Sexually Assaulted Child In Central Mass After Luring Her Into His Car At Beach: Police
Man Sexually Assaulted Child In Central Mass After Luring Her Into His Car At Beach: Police A 68-year-old Worcester County man is accused of using a dog to lure a child into his car, where he kidnapped and sexually assaulted her, authorities said.  Walter Fanion, of Southbridge, is charged with kidnapping, enticing a child under 16, and four counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14, Webster police said. The alleged incident happened on Monday, April 15.  The girl told police that she got into the man's car after he approached her at Memorial Beach with a dog. He walked her to his vehicle and then sped away once she was inside, officers said.  He d…
$1M Lottery Winner: Central Mass Man Claims Massive Jackpot $1M Lottery Winner: Central Mass Man Claims Massive Jackpot
$1M Lottery Winner: Central Mass Man Claims Massive Jackpot A Worcester County man says he can already feel the sun on his face on some fishing boat as he spends some of his loot.  John Choate, of Milford, won $1 million in the “$4,000,000 Monopoly Doubler” $10 scratch-off game.  Choate chose to take the lump sum of $650,000 (before taxes) rather than the annuity.  He picked his machine he played very carefully. Choate went with No. 21, the same day as his birthday.  He plans to use the cash to travel and go fishing.  Choate bought his winning ticket at the Mac Package Store at 86 Prospect St. in Milford. The store w…
ID Released For Driver Killed After Deliberate Crash Into Health Center In Mass ID Released For Driver Killed After Deliberate Crash Into Health Center In Mass
ID Released For Driver Killed After Deliberate Crash Into Health Center In Mass The identity of a Massachusetts man who allegedly deliberately crashed into the front of a psychiatric hospital has been released by officials. Related: Driver Dies After Deliberate Crash Into Devens Health Center The incident occurred in Worcester County around 5:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 10, at 85 Patton Road in Devens. On Thursday, April 12, Lindsay Corcoran of the Worcester County District Attorney's Office identified John M. Ahern Jr., age 62, of West Boylston, as the person who crashed into the front of the building at 85 Patton Road in Devens.  The truck was on fir…
Driver Killed After Deliberate Crash Into Health Center In Massachusetts Driver Killed After Deliberate Crash Into Health Center In Massachusetts
Driver Killed After Deliberate Crash Into Health Center In Massachusetts Massachusetts State Police are investigating after a person was killed after allegedly deliberately crashing a truck into the front of a mental healthcare center. Click here for a new, updated story: ID Released For Driver Killed After Deliberate Crash Into Health Center In Mass The incident occurred in Worcester County around 5:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 10, at 85 Patton Road in Devens. According to Lindsay Corcoran of the Worcester County District Attorney's Office, a truck was found to have crashed into the front of the building at 85 Patton Road in Devens. The truck was on fire, …
Alleged Massachusetts Fugitive Discovered In Connecticut After Unrelated 911 Call: Police Alleged Massachusetts Fugitive Discovered In Connecticut After Unrelated 911 Call: Police
Alleged Massachusetts Fugitive Discovered In Connecticut After Unrelated 911 Call: Police A man accused of domestic violence and strangulation in Massachusetts was caught in Connecticut when the cops were called on him for a different reason. The Tolland County incident occurred in the town of Stafford on Friday, April 5, according to Connecticut State Police. On that day, a School Street resident called the authorities on 30-year-old Marcus Lopez to report that he was unwelcome at the home. While police were investigating Lopez, who hails from Stafford, they discovered he had a felony arrest warrant in his name in connection to an alleged domestic assault and strangulation…
'He Will Be Found': Missing Marine's Western Mass Family Holding Out Hope 'He Will Be Found': Missing Marine's Western Mass Family Holding Out Hope
'He Will Be Found': Missing Marine's Western Mass Family Holding Out Hope Loved ones are vowing to stay as long as it takes to find the body of a Worcester County Marine who presumably drowned off the coast of Puerto Rico. Corporal Samuel Wanjiru, age 26, of Worcester, disappeared Wednesday afternoon, March 27, after coming into “distress” in the waters off Luquillo, according to the US Coast Guard. On Monday, April 1, the agency announced that it had suspended recovery efforts after multiple air and surface searches covering more than 260 square nautical miles. "We keep Cpl. Samuel Wanjiru and his family in our prayers, hoping they find strength and closur…
Central Mass Kid's Magician Gets 6 Years For Smuggling Child Porn Into US: Feds Central Mass Kid's Magician Gets 6 Years For Smuggling Child Porn Into US: Feds
Central Mass Kid's Magician Gets 6 Years For Smuggling Child Porn Into US: Feds A Worcester County, Massachusetts, magician who has performed in the area for 20 years was sentenced Thursday, March 28, to six years behind bars for having child sexual abuse material in his luggage after returning from an overseas flight, authorities said.  Scott Jameson, age 47, of Sutton, pleaded guilty in November 2023 to illicit sexual conduct in a foreign place and one count of transportation of child pornography, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said. He had faced potentially decades in prison for the charges.  Action Pour Les Enfants, a Cambodian child-protection group, …
Support Rises For 'Wonderful' Central Mass Teacher After Cancer Diagnosis Support Rises For 'Wonderful' Central Mass Teacher After Cancer Diagnosis
Support Rises For 'Wonderful' Central Mass Teacher After Cancer Diagnosis After it was discovered that a beloved Massachusetts teacher had been fighting cancer for years, her community came together to help raise support for her and her family. Worcester County resident Kara Sullivan Wroblewski has been loved by her community for quite some time. The Roosevelt Elementary School teacher was diagnosed with cancer four years ago, though, according to the GoFundMe set up by her family, the news may come as a shock to some. “Everyone knows Kara is a wonderful mother, wife, sister, friend, and teacher for the Worcester Public Schools,” Beth Flynn wrote in the fundr…
Road Rage Hammer Attack Sends Man To Hospital In Central Mass; 2 Dracut Men Nabbed Road Rage Hammer Attack Sends Man To Hospital In Central Mass; 2 Dracut Men Nabbed
Road Rage Hammer Attack Sends Man To Hospital In Central Mass; 2 Dracut Men Nabbed Police have arrested two men after a road rage incident earlier this week ended when they beat a truck driver with a hammer on I-495 in Worcester County, authorities said.  Javier Gutierrez Vargas, 23, and Juan E. Marin, 28, are charged with two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and a single count of disorderly conduct, State Police said on Tuesday, March 26.  The alleged attack happened just before 2 p.m. on Monday. It's unclear what started the altercation, but the truck driver, whose name was not released, and the two men in a Volkswagon GTI pulled into the …
Cold Case: 2 Charged With 30-Year-Old Killing Of Teenager In Central Mass Cold Case: 2 Charged With 30-Year-Old Killing Of Teenager In Central Mass
Cold Case: 2 Charged With 30-Year-Old Killing Of Teenager In Central Mass Two men have been charged with the fatal shooting of a teenager in 1993 in Worcester County, authorities announced on Monday, March 25.  Robert D’Lucca, 49, and Lawrence Calafell, 51, of Gardner, were indicted on one count of murder in the death of 15-year-old Deondray Atwood, the Worcester County District Attorney's Office said.  They were also indicted on charges of armed assault with intent to murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a firearm without a license, and possession of ammunition without an FID card. The duo are accused of shooting into a parked car on…
Central Mass Woman Missing More Than Week Found Dead Central Mass Woman Missing More Than Week Found Dead
Central Mass Woman Missing More Than Week Found Dead The remains of a 27-year-old Worcester County woman who went missing more than a week ago were found on Thursday, March 21.  Olivia Colby, of Westborough, vanished on Thursday, March 14, sparking a near-statewide search.  The Worcester County District Attorney's Office did not say how she died, where she was found, or how long she had been deceased in their announcement on Friday.  There was some hope in the case Monday when a man told police he believed he saw Colby at Kennebunk Cumberland Farms in Maine, but that alleged sighting led nowhere, according to an NBC station in…
$1M Lottery Ticket Sold In Central Mass $1M Lottery Ticket Sold In Central Mass
$1M Lottery Ticket Sold In Central Mass It was a lucky day for one person in Millbury this week after they struck gold at a Worcester County convenience store.  The winner played the $5 "Gold Mine 50X" scratch-off card and won the top prize of $1 million.  They bought the ticket at Riverside Mart at 54 Canal St. in Millbury. The store will get a $10,000 bonus for the sale.  The lottery has not released the winner's name yet.  They were one of 506 people who won $600 or more in the Massachusetts State Lottery on Tuesday, March 19. Click here to see a complete list of winning tickets and where they were purcha…
School Bus Driver Busted Drunk With Children Aboard Mass Bus: Police School Bus Driver Busted Drunk With Children Aboard Mass Bus: Police
School Bus Driver Busted Drunk With Children Aboard Mass Bus: Police A 51-year-old school bus driver faces charges after she was caught bringing children to school while under the influence of alcohol in Worcester County, police said.  Jane Welch, age 51, was arrested on Thursday, March 14, following an incident in Westborough, according to Westborough Police. On Thursday morning, police received reports regarding Welch's behavior while driving children to school. In response, officers made contact with Welch in the area of 135 East Main St. and conducted an investigation.  Soon after stopping her, police arrested Welch and charged her w…
Armed Robbery Suspect Sparks Hours-Long Standoff In Central Mass Armed Robbery Suspect Sparks Hours-Long Standoff In Central Mass
Armed Robbery Suspect Sparks Hours-Long Standoff In Central Mass A man accused of robbing an adult store in Worcester County ran into the woods with weapons, causing an hours-long standoff with dozens of police, authorities said.  The man, whose name was not released, is accused of robbing the Amazing Intimate Essential Store at 15 Belmont St. in Northborough around 10:30 p.m. Thursday, March 7, Northborough police said.  Officers spotted a man who matched the robber's description, but when they tried to stop him, he bolted into the woods near Route 9 and Lawrence Street. Officers used drones to determine that the man was hiding near …
$100K Lottery Tickets Sold In Western, Central Mass $100K Lottery Tickets Sold In Western, Central Mass
$100K Lottery Tickets Sold In Western, Central Mass Two $100,000 winning lottery tickets were turned in on Monday, March 4, from Worcester and Hampshire counties.  The first was from Belchertown, where the six-figure payday was bought at Town Mart at 10 Federal St. The winning ticket was from the $30 "Millions" scratch-off game.  The second was purchased at Saveway Convenience in Rutland at 249 Main St. The winning ticket was a "$300X" $30 scratch-off ticket.  The stores where the tickets were bought will receive a bonus.  The Massachusetts State Lottery did not release their names. The lottery paid out $600 or more to …
5-Alarm Fire Tears Through $2.5M Historic Central Mass Mansion 5-Alarm Fire Tears Through $2.5M Historic Central Mass Mansion
5-Alarm Fire Tears Through $2.5M Historic Central Mass Mansion An early morning fire on Friday, March 1, severely damaged a historic mansion in Worcester County.  Northridge firefighters were called to the Whitinsville Lasell Manor just after 1 a.m. to reports of a blaze, a Facebook post said. The flames grew fast, and the blaze quickly became a 5-alarm fire. The fire grew so hot that it collapsed part of the roof on the 25,0000 square-foot mansion, NBC Boston reported.  There were seven people inside the 120 Hill St. home when the fire began, but they were all able to escape without injury.  Seven people were i…
Central Mass First Responders Who Saved Officer's Life After He Suffered Heart Attack Honored Central Mass First Responders Who Saved Officer's Life After He Suffered Heart Attack Honored
Central Mass First Responders Who Saved Officer's Life After He Suffered Heart Attack Honored If it weren't for the quick thinking and fast action of his brothers and sisters in blue, Sturbridge police officer Jeffrey Lavallee would be dead.  That's what Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. said during an award ceremony on Wednesday, Feb. 28, as he honored those first responders who set aside their personal feelings to save a man's life.  “They answer the bell anytime they are called, no matter what. For these officers, this is one of the worst scenarios they can face – having to work on one of their own. They knew the severity of the …
$1M Lottery Payday: Central Mass Lands Win While On 'Honey Do' Errand $1M Lottery Payday: Central Mass Lands Win While On 'Honey Do' Errand
$1M Lottery Payday: Central Mass Lands Win While On 'Honey Do' Errand It pays to help your wives, fellas. At least that's what one Worcester County man found out when he picked up a lottery ticket while running an errand for his wife and won $1 million.  Joshua Chunis, of Milford, landed the seven-figure win playing the “$10,000,000 Lucky Bucks” $20 scratch-off game. He bought the ticket when he stopped to get gas in his wife's car.  Chunis chose to take the lump-sum payment of $650,000 (before taxes) rather than the annuity.  He plans to use the money to make home improvements. Chunis bought the ticket at Sunoco A Plus at 527 SW Cutoff in Wo…
Rocket Launcher Found At Central Mass Motel; Federal Agents Alerted Rocket Launcher Found At Central Mass Motel; Federal Agents Alerted
Rocket Launcher Found At Central Mass Motel; Federal Agents Alerted Chalk this under you don't see this every day. Police in Worcester County found a man in possession of crack and a rocket launcher sitting in a parked car at a Sutton motel on Monday, Feb. 19, authorities said.  Police were watching a suspicious vehicle in the side parking lot of the Red Roof Inn at 200 Worcester-Providence Turnpike when one of the detectives walked over and began making conversation with the person inside, Sutton police said in a Facebook post.  As they spoke, the detective scanned the car's interior until his eyes landed on an M190 U.S. Army Rocket Lau…
Father, Son Busted With Drugs For Sale, Illegal Gun In Central Mass: Police Father, Son Busted With Drugs For Sale, Illegal Gun In Central Mass: Police
Father, Son Busted With Drugs For Sale, Illegal Gun In Central Mass: Police A father and son face a mountain of felonies after police found an illegal gun, more than 100 grams of cocaine, and several other drugs inside their Worcester County home, authorities said. Michael Pitler, age 45, and Zachary Pitler, age 21, both of Blackstone, were arrested on Friday, Feb. 16, after police and federal agents raided their home in the area of Michelle Lane, officials said.  “Through these arrests we have removed a significant amount of narcotics from our community,” Blackstone Police Chief Gregory Gilmore said. “Our department takes our commitment to narcotics…
Car Slams Into Dump Truck With Snow Plow In Central Mass; Driver Seriously Injured Car Slams Into Dump Truck With Snow Plow In Central Mass; Driver Seriously Injured
Car Slams Into Dump Truck With Snow Plow In Central Mass; Driver Seriously Injured A 20-year-old man was airlifted to an area hospital after his car crashed into a dump truck with a snow plow attached in Worcester County, authorities said.  The crash happened just after 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13, on Route 2 East near mile marker 90 in Westminster, Massachusetts State Police said.  A Gardner man, 20, was behind the wheel of a 2004 Toyota Camry when it collided with a Peterbilt dump truck with an attached plow, officials said. Investigators believe the car's speed and poor road conditions because of the weather contributed to the crash, but the investigation is…
$1M Lottery Win: Central Mass Man Wins Massive Payday With Grandson's Help $1M Lottery Win: Central Mass Man Wins Massive Payday With Grandson's Help
$1M Lottery Win: Central Mass Man Wins Massive Payday With Grandson's Help A Worcester County grandfather may have to tip his grandson for his lucky $1 million windfall after he collected the winning ticket on his way back from his hockey game.  Thomas Ruble of Ashburnham won his seven-figure windfall playing the "777" scratch-off game.  Ruble chose to take the lump sum of $650,000 (before taxes) rather than the annuity. He didn't say what he'll spend the money on.  Ruble bought the ticket after watching his grandson play hockey.  He bought the ticket at Town Convenience, 3 Pine St. in Gardner. The store will get a $10,000 bonu…
100-Year-Old Mass Home Featuring Original Finishes Up For Sale For $2M: See Inside 100-Year-Old Mass Home Featuring Original Finishes Up For Sale For $2M: See Inside
100-Year-Old Mass Home Featuring Original Finishes Up For Sale For $2M: See Inside A mansion that just hit the market features a beautiful, million-dollar renovation, yet still retains original finishes and millwork. The Worcester County home, located at 57 North Street in Grafton, was put up for sale at the beginning of February 2024 with a price tag of a cool $2 million. With seven bedrooms and eight bathrooms spread across four full floors, the 6,229-square-foot colonial revival home combines modern and classic tastes. Sitting on six acres and protected by stone walls, the 1920s house was given a $1.5 million update, though the listing says it retains “beautifully …
Armed Robber Who Zip-Tied Pittsfield Bank Tellers, Got Into Vault Nabbed Months Later: Police Armed Robber Who Zip-Tied Pittsfield Bank Tellers, Got Into Vault Nabbed Months Later: Police
Armed Robber Who Zip-Tied Pittsfield Bank Tellers, Got Into Vault Nabbed Months Later: Police A suspect has been arrested months after an armed robbery at a bank in Western Massachusetts. The Berkshire County holdup happened Nov. 29, 2023, in Pittsfield, at the NBT Bank located on Merrill Road. Pittsfield police said employees called 911 at around 5 p.m. saying a masked man had pulled a gun on them and demanded cash. The robber directed the tellers to lock the doors, close the blinds, and open the vault. He then ordered the employees to sit on the floor and zip-tied their hands in front of them, police said. After grabbing all the cash he could from the vault and two tell…
$650,000 Lottery Ticket Sold At Central Mass Store $650,000 Lottery Ticket Sold At Central Mass Store
$650,000 Lottery Ticket Sold At Central Mass Store A convenience store in Worcester County has sold a $650,000 winning lottery ticket.  The "777" $10 scratch-off ticket was purchased at Town Convenience at 3 Pine Street in Gardner.  Five $1 million prizes remain, and two $4 million grand prizes are still in circulation for the "777" game, according to the lottery.  Nearly 700 people claimed prizes worth more than $600 on Tuesday. The Massachusetts State Lottery compiles those winners and publishes where they were purchased here.   Town Convenience will receive a bonus for selling the ticket. That is usually 10 per…
2 Teens Sparked 4 Fires In Western, Central Mass Using Explosives: Arson Investigators 2 Teens Sparked 4 Fires In Western, Central Mass Using Explosives: Arson Investigators
2 Teens Sparked 4 Fires In Western, Central Mass Using Explosives: Arson Investigators Arson investigators busted two teenagers who they say are responsible for setting multiple fires in Hampden and Worcester counties using explosives.  Nathan Asselin, 19, of Sturbridge, and Camron Lamarche, 19, of Southbridge, are charged with four counts of possession of a destructive device, placing an explosive device, vandalism, and other offenses, the State Fire Marshal said.  Investigators said the duo placed explosive materials in mailboxes and outdoor sites on Town Farm Road in Brookfield, Sturbridge Road in Holland, Boston Road E in Monson, and New Boston Road in Stur…
'Selfless, Loving Heart': Family Creates Memorial Fund For Central Mass Boy Who Died Suddenly 'Selfless, Loving Heart': Family Creates Memorial Fund For Central Mass Boy Who Died Suddenly
'Selfless, Loving Heart': Family Creates Memorial Fund For Central Mass Boy Who Died Suddenly The family of a Worcester County 5-year-old boy is refusing to let his dream die with him.  Anthony Joseph Putnam, of North Grafton, died unexpectedly on Friday, Jan. 12. His family did not disclose the cause of death.  They were focused on the life he wanted to live — his dreams and big ideas for his future. They've created a GoFundMe to start a memorial fund in his honor that they hope will help see those ideas through.  It is our dream to turn our tragedy into a means to give life to Anthony’s memory and his selfless and loving heart. We would love to create/develop somet…
A Year After Central Mass Woman Disappeared, Police Have Not Given Up On Search A Year After Central Mass Woman Disappeared, Police Have Not Given Up On Search
A Year After Central Mass Woman Disappeared, Police Have Not Given Up On Search Investigators have renewed their call for help in the search for a missing Worcester County woman who disappeared a year ago on Wednesday, Jan. 10.  Brittany Tee, of Brookfield, was last seen leaving her home on Main Street around 8:30 p.m. on Jan. 10, 2023. Her family reported her missing three days later, the Worcester County District Attorney said.  Related: Police Release New Photos Of Brittany Tee As Search Intensifies As the anniversary of her disappearance approaches, the prosecutor's office reiterated that investigators have not given up on the search for her.  …
Here Are Snowfall Totals For Major Winter Storm That Dumped 18 Inches In Parts Of Massachusetts Here Are Snowfall Totals For Major Winter Storm That Dumped 18 Inches In Parts Of Massachusetts
Here Are Snowfall Totals For Major Winter Storm That Dumped 18 Inches In Parts Of Massachusetts A massive winter storm slammed Massachusetts and other parts of the Northeast over the weekend on Saturday, Jan. 6, and Sunday, Jan. 7, with Tyngsboro in Middlesex County getting the most snow in the state followed by Ashburnham in Worcester -- with each getting around 18 inches of accumulation. Here are the totals from snow reports throughout the state, according to the National Weather Service: Barnstable County 2 SSW Mashpee 1.0 in 0521 PM 01/07 Amateur Radio 1 NNW Truro 1.0 in 0639 PM 01/07 Public 2 S Yarmouth 1.0 in 0636 P…
Support Floods In For Son Of Single Mom Killed In Central Mass Attack Support Floods In For Son Of Single Mom Killed In Central Mass Attack
Support Floods In For Son Of Single Mom Killed In Central Mass Attack Multiple GoFundMes have been created to help provide for the 15-year-old boy who was at home the night his mother was stabbed to death at a Worcester County trailer park.  Maria Murray, 53, was stabbed multiple times in the back at Meadow Woods on Massachusetts Ave. on Tuesday, Dec. 26, the Worcester County District Attorney said. Paramedics rushed her to the hospital, where she died of her wounds.  Orlando Garcia Rosado, her boyfriend, was arrested and charged with the killing, reports said.  Since the killing, several people have stepped up to ask for help providing for Mu…