Man Arrested, Arraigned In Connection To Death Of Infant Son

MALDEN– A Malden man was arrested last night and arraigned this afternoon in connection with the death of his infant son, Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone informed the public today.

Geoffrey Wilson, 31, was arrested last night and charged with murder in connection with the death of his infant son, Nathan Wilson, 6 months.   Wilson was arraigned this afternoon in Malden District Court where he was ordered held without bail by Malden District Court Judge Lee Johnson.

Wilson’s next court date will be March 29 for a pre-trial hearing. 

According to authorities, the child was in the father’s care in their home in Malden on Sunday, March 7.  When the child’s mother returned to the home, the child was unresponsive and in obvious distress and was eventually transported to Children’s Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. 

Preliminary reports indicate the infant suffered non-accidental injuries and trauma, consistent with violent shaking, that led to his death.  The final determinations by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner regarding cause and manner of death are pending.  

The investigation into the circumstances of the death are ongoing.

These charges are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The prosecutor assigned to the case is Assistant District Attorney Marcy Jackson.  The case is being investigated by Malden Police and the Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.

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Shirley Man Indicted For Murder
Man Charged With Murdering Fitchburg State College Freshman

WOBURN– A Shirley man has been indicted in connection with the fatal stabbing of a college freshman that he dated, Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone informed the public today.

Robert Gulla, 19, of Shirley, was indicted late yesterday afternoon by a Middlesex Superior Court Grand Jury on charges of murder in the first degree, assault and battery (3 counts), and violation of a restraining order in connection with the fatal stabbing of Allison Myrick, 19, of Groton.

An arraignment date has not yet been set.

According to authorities, at approximately 7:20 p.m. on January 23, Shirley Police and State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office responded to reports of two people seriously injured in an incident at 4 Morin Street in Shirley.  Upon arrival, authorities located a male, the defendant evidencing apparently self inflicted wounds to his head and a wound to his wrist, and the female victim, evidencing multiple, severe stab wounds. 

The defendant was med-flighted to UMass Medical Center in Worcester where he was treated for three days before being discharged into the custody of the Sheriff’s Department.  The female victim was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Shirley Police and State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office conducted an immediate investigation into the circumstances of the incident.

Upon further investigation, it was determined that the defendant and the victim met in September of 2009 and had a dating relationship.  The assault and battery indictments stem from incidents that are alleged to have occurred in October and December.  The victim obtained a restraining order against the defendant on January 19th, which the defendant is alleged to have violated in the days preceding the murder, as well as on the date of the murder itself.

On Saturday, January 23, the victim and the defendant were in the defendant’s home.  It is alleged that the defendant beat the victim, stabbed her multiple times, and shot her in the head with a pellet gun.  It is also alleged that the defendant then shot himself with a pellet gun, and cut his wrist with a knife.

Gulla was arrested and arraigned at UMASS Medical Center on January 25 on charges of murder in the first degree and violation of a restraining order.  District Court Judge Andrew DeAngelo ordered Gulla held without bail.  

These charges are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The Assistant District Attorney assigned to the case is Lisa McGovern.  The Victim Witness Advocate is Dora Quiroz.

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Lowell Bus Driver Arrested, Arraigned On Child Rape Charges

LOWELL – A Lowell Public Schools bus driver has been arrested and arraigned on forcible child rape charges, Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone informed the public today.

Gian Carlos Mirabel, 22, of Lawrence, was arrested late last night and arraigned today on 2 counts of forcible child rape.  Lowell District Court Judge Michael Brooks ordered Mirabel held on $50,000 cash bail and to have no contact with the victim.

His next court date will be March 29 for a probable cause hearing.

“These are very troubling allegations against an individual who was entrusted with the safe transport of students in Lowell Public Schools,” District Attorney Leone said. “We allege that the defendant used his position in order to exercise power and control over the victim, coercing the victim into submitting to sexual conduct.”

According to authorities, an employee of the North Reading Transportation Bus Company was reviewing security footage of a bus that was involved in a minor accident on February 25.  While reviewing the footage, the employee observed suspicious activity between the defendant, a bus driver for Lowell Public Schools, and a student on the bus.  The employee than contacted a school official who alerted authorities.  Lowell Police and members of the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office then launched an immediate investigation into the circumstances of the suspicious footage. 

Upon further investigation, it was determined that the victim, in 7th grade at the time, first met the defendant in the Spring of 2009 when he was assigned to bus route.  In the Fall of 2009, when the victim was in the 8th grade, the defendant allegedly began to ask the victim to remain on the bus after he dropped the other students off.  Once the defendant dropped the other students off, he would allegedly drive the bus to another area and assault the victim. 

The victim told authorities that she did not want to be on the bus with the defendant and he physically prevented her from leaving the bus at least once. 

The defendant is alleged to have told the victim not to tell anyone about the assaults. 

When interviewed by police, the defendant admitted to the assaults against the victim and acknowledged that he knew that the victim was under age and that what he was doing was wrong.

These charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The case is being investigated by Lowell Police.  The prosecutor assigned to this case is Assistant District Attorney Thomas O’Reilly.  The victim witness advocate is Dottie Berrios.  The Child Interview Specialist is Katrina Lee.

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Former Burlington Police Officer, Son Arrested In Large Scale Drug Ring
5 Additional Defendants Arrested, Arraigned In Connection To Drug Ring

BURLINGTON– A former Burlington Police Officer, his son, and five additional defendants have been arrested in connection with a large scale drug ring operating out of Burlington, Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone informed the public today

The seven defendants were arrested today after search warrants were executed and nearly 200 grams of cocaine and 28 grams of heroin were seized. 

The seven defendants are identified as:

• Michael Reynolds, 26, of Burlington, charged with trafficking heroin over 14 grams, conspiracy to traffic heroin over 28 grams, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, possession of a firearm, and possession of ammunition.  He was ordered held on $10,000 cash bail.
• Kenneth Reynolds, 45, of Burlington, charged with conspiracy to traffic heroin over 28 grams, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, and use of a firearm in commission of a felony.  He was ordered held on $10,000 cash bail.
• William Najjar, 21, of Woburn, was charged with trafficking in cocaine over 100 grams, conspiracy to traffic cocaine over 100 grams, distribution of cocaine (11 counts), use of firearm in commission of a felony, possession of firearm, and, possession of ammunition.  He was ordered held on $50,000 cash bail.
• David Medur, 27, of Wakefield, was charged with trafficking heroin over 28 grams, conspiracy to traffic heroin over 28 grams, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, possession of a firearm, and possession of ammunition.  He was ordered held on $10,000 cash bail.
• Matthew Basile, 38, of Stoneham, was charged with possession with intent to distribute heroin and conspiracy to traffic heroin over 28 grams.  He was ordered held on $5,000 cash bail, as well as a probation detainer.
• Coleen Cosgrove, 27, of Waltham, was charged with trafficking heroin over 28 grams, trafficking heroin over 14 grams (4 counts), and conspiracy to traffic heroin over 28 grams.  She was ordered held on $5,000 cash bail.
• Derek Clemetson, 28, of Woburn, was charged with conspiracy to traffic heroin over 28 grams and possession of an electrical weapon.  He was ordered held on $750 cash bail. 

Their next court date is March 8 for pre-trial conference.

“These were significant arrests that resulted in today’s seizures of guns and a large amount of heroin and cocaine that were being distributed on our streets.  We know that heroin specifically has been responsible for a number of overdose deaths, including young people, which we’ve seen in our county in the last year,” District Attorney Leone said.  “Illegal drug trafficking and weapons charges are serious offenses that are often at the root of many additional and violent crimes. These allegations are made all the worse in that a former police officer is alleged to have disgraced the badge that he once wore, and impugned the good reputation of law enforcement personnel everywhere.  We will continue to actively investigate and prosecute drug crimes and I want to thank the Woburn Police Department for their cooperative effort in this investigation.”

According to authorities, in December of 2009 and January and February of 2010, Massachusetts State Police troopers assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office conducted court-authorized wiretap surveillance of several telephone lines that were identified as being used by a large-scale heroin distribution ring operating in Middlesex County.  Pursuant to those wiretaps, troopers were able to discover evidence of numerous sales of cocaine and heroin to an apparent large number of customers.

Michael Reynolds was identified as a ringleader of the distribution organization.  He was repeatedly intercepted negotiating prices and methods of delivery for heroin and conducting sales of heroin in varying amounts to Matthew Basile, Derek Clemetson and David Medur on numerous occasions.

Michael Reynolds was also identified as a cocaine distributor and was repeatedly intercepted negotiating prices and weights for cocaine.  Reynolds made numerous large purchases of cocaine, in quantities consistent with re-distribution, from William Najjar.

During the course of the investigation, Kenneth Reynolds, a former Burlington Police officer who retired in 2002, was repeatedly observed driving Michael Reynolds to heroin transactions and was intercepted discussing past and future acts of heroin distribution with Michael Reynolds and others.
         
On February 10, a search warrant was executed at the Reynolds’ home at 14 Evelyn Rd. in Burlington, MA.  As a result of the search warrant, authorities recovered a firearm, customer lists, and cash money.

During the course of the wire surveillance, Medur was repeatedly intercepted planning and carrying out purchases of large quantities of heroin.  On February 10, a search warrant obtained from the Middlesex Superior Court was executed at Medur’s residence at of 31 Melvin Street in Wakefield.  Recovered during the search was over 20 grams of heroin, approximately 3.5 grams of cocaine, a firearm, and a variety of prescription pills.

Wire surveillance revealed William Najjar to be a major supplier of cocaine in the Woburn area.  He was repeatedly intercepted negotiating sales of cocaine in large quantities to Michael Reynolds, who in turn would repackage and sell the cocaine to generate additional profits.  On February 10, a search warrant issued by the Middlesex Superior Court was executed at Najjar’s residence of 31 Waltham Street, Woburn.  Found during the course of the search was approximately 195 grams of cocaine, a large quantity of U.S. currency, and a firearm.

During the course of the wire surveillance, Derek Clemetson was identified as a heroin and cocaine distributor for the Reynolds Organization.  A search warrant obtained from the Middlesex Superior Court was executed at Clemetson’s residence of 9 Middle Street, Woburn on February 10.  Recovered during the search were numerous small plastic bags consistent with packaging for illegal narcotics and a portable electrical weapon designed to deliver a powerful electric shock.

During the course of the wire surveillance, Basile was identified as a heroin distributor who acquired heroin from the Reynolds organization and re-sold it for profit.

Basile was repeatedly intercepted purchasing heroin from Michael Reynolds and from other sources, often in large quantities that were consistent with redistribution. 

Cosgrove was also identified as selling large quantities of heroin to the Reynolds Organization.  A search warrant was obtained from the Middlesex Superior Court and was executed at Cosgrove’s residence at 22 Underwood Park in Waltham on February 10.  Discovered during the course of the search were numerous controlled substances of Class E. 

The investigation continues into the reach and scope of the drug operation and further arrests may be made.  Burlington Police Department has cooperated fully with the investigation.

The Middlesex PACT Unit is a team of prosecutors and Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office dedicated to the investigation and prosecution of cases of public integrity, anti-terrorism, corruption, technology, and high-level narcotics.

These charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

This case was investigated by State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s PACT Unit and the Woburn Police Department.  The Assistant District Attorneys assigned to this case are David Solet and John Verner, Chief of the MDAO’s PACT Unit.

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Convicted Rapist Arrested For Alleged Rape, Robbery
Alleged To Have Removed GPS Monitoring Bracelet In Commission Of Assault

FRAMINGHAM– A convicted rapist recently released from state prison has been arrested for allegedly raping a female victim, Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone informed the public today.

William French, 29, of Framingham, was arrested shortly after midnight this morning.  He was arraigned this afternoon before Framingham District Court Judge Singer on charges of aggravated rape (two counts), kidnapping, assault and battery, unarmed robbery, threats to commit a crime, kidnapping, and for removing the GPS monitoring unit. 

Judge Singer ordered French held pending a dangerousness hearing scheduled for February 25. 

“This is a terribly disturbing case,” District Attorney Leone said.  “We allege that the defendant’s chilling actions occurred only weeks after he was released from prison for a 2001 rape conviction and just days after he was placed on GPS monitoring by the Probation Department for a probation violation.”

According to authorities, the defendant is alleged to have cut off his GPS bracelet at approximately 11:25pm, at which time probation officials received an alert that the defendant’s GPS monitoring bracelet had been removed.  At 11:45pm, Framingham Police Department received a warrant for French’s arrest by the Middlesex Superior Court Probation Department.

The defendant was located and arrested shortly after midnight this morning.  The victim was transported to an area hospital, treated and released. 

French was released from state prison in December 2009 after serving 8 years for a 2002 aggravated rape conviction out of Middlesex Superior Court.  French’s probation period was to run for 6 years after his release from state prison, and he was currently on probation at the time of these alleged assaults.

The defendant was placed on GPS monitoring by the Probation Department on February 16, after he failed a random drug screen.

Because details of the incident were not read into the record and the case is impounded by the court, additional details are not able to be released at this time.

These charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The case is currently under investigation by Framingham Police in cooperation with the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.  The Assistant District Attorney who handled today’s arraignment is Sarah Fallon.  The Victim Witness Advocate is Kristen Dagnelli.  

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Three Arraigned In Connection With Cambridge Jail Disturbance
Over $250,000 In Damage Caused By Disturbance

WOBURN– Three Cambridge Jail detainees have been arraigned in connection with the July Cambridge Jail disturbance, Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone informed the public today.

Detainees Justin Deprospo, 25, David Agnetta, 31, and Stephen Andrade, 31, were arraigned today by a Middlesex Superior Clerk Magistrate on charges of malicious destruction of property over $250 and assault with a dangerous weapon.  Agnetta and Andrade were also arraigned on charges of assault and battery on a correctional officer.  Deprospo was arraigned on a charge of assault on a correctional officer. 

Agnetta was ordered held on $10,000 cash bail.  Andrade was ordered held on $1,000 cash bail.  Deprospo is currently being held on another case.

Their next court date is February 25 for a pre-trial conference.

According to authorities, at approximately 12:10 p.m. on July 5, 2009, The Middlesex County Jail located at 40 Thorndike Street in Cambridge went into an initiated lockdown due to an ongoing inmate disturbance.  The defendants, located in the jail’s 18th tier, were observed vandalizing the jail and smashing sprinkler heads causing water, flowing at rate of 25-35 gallons per minute, to flood the floor within minutes.  The flooding eventually reached 18 floors down to the building entrance, eliminating the use of all elevators and requiring the power to the building to be shut off.

Additionally, Agnetta allegedly attacked a correctional officer on duty with a 6 foot wooden bench.  Deprospo is alleged to have assaulted two correctional officers with a wooden plank.  Andrade is alleged to have thrown a glass object at another correctional officer, causing it to shatter on the officer’s head, shoulders and back. 

Cambridge Fire Department, Courthouse and Middlesex emergency personnel responded and the detainees were secured in cells.  The vandalism that occurred caused the 18th floor of the jail to be uninhabitable and an evacuation of effected detainees ensued. 

As a result of the Cambridge jail disturbance, the clean up and replacement of vandalized equipment including lighting, ceiling fixtures, computers and inmate property, cost over $250,000.

The three defendants were indicted by a Middlesex Superior Court Grand Jury on January 21.

These charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. 

The prosecutor assigned to this case is Denise Duran. 

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Man Arraigned In Connection With Saturday’s Stabbing, Shooting In Shirley
Shirley Man Charged With Murder Of Ex-girlfriend

WOBURN– A Shirley man has been arrested and arraigned in connection with a fatal stabbing, shooting incident that occurred Saturday in Shirley, Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone informed the public today.

Robert Gulla, 19, of Shirley was arraigned in a bedside arraignment late this afternoon at UMass Medical Center in Worcester on charges of murder in the first degree and violation of a restraining order in connection with the fatal stabbing of Allison Myrick, 19, of Groton.

District Court Judge DeAngelo ordered Gulla held without bail.  His next court date will be February 5 for a pre-trial conference.

According to authorities, at approximately 7:20 p.m. Saturday evening, Shirley Police and State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office responded to reports of  people obviously seriously injured in an incident at 4 Morin Street in Shirley.  Upon arrival, authorities located a male and a female evidencing obvious stab wounds. 

The defendant was med-flighted to UMass Medical Center in Worcester where he is being treated for a gun shot wound and stabbing wounds.  The female victim was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Shirley Police and State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office conducted an immediate investigation into the circumstances of the incident.  It is alleged that the defendant stabbed the victim and then shot and stabbed himself.

The investigation remains ongoing. 

These charges are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The Assistant District Attorney assigned to the case is Lisa McGovern.  The Victim Witness Advocate is Dora Quiroz.

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Stoneham Man Arraigned On Charges That He Assaulted His Father  

WOBURN – A Stoneham man has been arraigned on assault and battery charges, Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone informed the public today.

Mark D. Kerrigan, 45, was arraigned today in Woburn District Court on charges of assault and battery on an elderly person resulting in serious bodily injury.  Woburn District Court Judge Mark Sullivan ordered Kerrigan held on $10,000 cash bail. 

His next court date is February 24 for a pre-trial conference.

“The present charges are based on the facts as we presently know them,” District Attorney Leone said.  “Any further charging developments will be based in large measure upon a reliance on the final opinion issued by the Chief Medical Examiner regarding the cause and manner of death of the decedent.”

According to authorities, the defendant, who is the son of the victim, Daniel Kerrigan, is alleged to have assaulted the 70 year old victim inside their home at 7 Cedar Avenue in Stoneham.  Authorities continue to investigate the entirety of the circumstances of the incident and the decedent’s death.  The cause and manner of death is being determined by the Office of the Medical Examiner and the M.E. indicates that his final determination can be expected to be released  within a couple of weeks.

These charges are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The prosecutor assigned to the case is Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Keeley.  The Victim Witness Advocate is Anne Foley.  The case is being investigated by Stoneham Police and the Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.

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Three Indicted In Connection With Cambridge Jail Disturbance
Over $250,000 In Damage Caused By Disturbance

WOBURN– Three Cambridge Jail detainees have been indicted in connection with the July Cambridge Jail disturbance, Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone informed the public today.

Detainees Justin Deprospo, 25, David Agnetta, 31, and Stephen Andrade, 31, were indicted late yesterday by a Middlesex Superior Grand Jury on charges of malicious destruction of property over $250 and assault with a dangerous weapon.  Agnetta and Andrade were also indicted on charges of assault and battery on a correctional officer.  Deprospo was indicted on a charge of assault on a correctional officer.

An arraignment date has not yet been scheduled. 

“These inmates put the correctional officers’ and their fellow detainees’ lives in danger and cost taxpayers $250,000 in these trying economic times,” District Attorney Leone said.  “I commend the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office for their quick response in quelling the situation and for their cooperation throughout the investigation.”

“I would like to express my sincerest thanks to the District Attorney and his team for assisting in this investigation and pursuing the matter fully,” said Sheriff James V. DiPaola. “A major part of corrections is holding offenders responsible for their actions. By demanding accountability, we are able to dissuade future flare-ups and maintain a safe and orderly environment for inmates and officers alike.”

According to authorities, at approximately 12:10 p.m. on July 5, 2009, The Middlesex County Jail located at 40 Thorndike Street in Cambridge went into an initiated lockdown due to an ongoing inmate disturbance.  The defendants, located in the jail’s 18th tier, were observed vandalizing the jail and smashing sprinkler heads causing water, flowing at rate of 25-35 gallons per minute, to flood the floor within minutes.  The flooding eventually reached 18 floors down to the building entrance, eliminating the use of all elevators and requiring the power to the building to be shut off.

Additionally, Agnetta allegedly attacked a correctional officer on duty with a 6 foot wooden bench.  Deprospo is alleged to have assaulted two correctional officers with a wooden plank.  Andrade is alleged to have thrown a glass object at another correctional officer, causing it to shatter on the officer’s head, shoulders and back. 

Cambridge Fire Department, Courthouse and Middlesex emergency personnel responded and the detainees were secured in cells.  The vandalism that occurred caused the 18th floor of the jail to be uninhabitable and an evacuation of effected detainees ensued. 

As a result of the Cambridge jail disturbance, the clean up and replacement of vandalized equipment including lighting, ceiling fixtures, computers and inmate property, cost over $250,000.

These charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. 

The prosecutor assigned to this case is Denise Duran. 

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D.A. Leone, Police Chiefs, Commissioner McClain, The Guidance Center & Service Providers Announce New Program To Combat Domestic Violence Homicides And Serve High-Risk Victims
Program Funded By Grant From Department Of Justice’s Office Of Violence Against Women

ARLINGTON – A new program aimed at preventing domestic violence homicides was announced today at a press conference at Arlington Police Department, District Attorney Leone informed the public today. 

The program, titled the Cambridge Arlington Belmont High Risk Assessment and Response Team (CAB HART), aims to reduce and prevent domestic violence homicides and hold offenders accountable by refining and tightening existing relationships between police, courts, and community providers in the cities of Cambridge, Arlington, and Belmont.

District Attorney Leone was joined by Arlington Police Chief Frederick Ryan, Cambridge Police Commissioner Robert Haas, Belmont Police Chief Richard McLaughlin, Dr. Ilana Cohen from The Guidance Center, and DCF Commissioner Angelo McClain in announcing the program.

“We know that effectively combating domestic violence requires a comprehensive approach and that means bringing partners together like we have today, working on the front end to prevent tragedies before they occur,” District Attorney Leone said.  “I’m pleased to be joined by so many stakeholders in our efforts to combat domestic violence and I want to thank The Guidance Center for bringing us all together on this very important initiative.”

“We are very fortunate to work with community partners who embrace cutting-edge interventions and innovative practices which bring safety and security to families who are victims of and affected by domestic violence in the three cities,” said Dr. Ilana Amrani-Cohen, Guidance Center Director of Children With Voices, A Child Witness to Violence Program.

CAB HART was initiated in response to the escalating number of domestic violence homicides in Massachusetts.  There were 25 such homicides in 2008 and 23 in 2009.  Since March 2006, approximately 174 domestic violence cases from Cambridge, Arlington and Belmont were flagged as having a high risk for lethal violence. 

The program, funded by a $380,000 grant from the Department of Justice, will provide a multi-disciplinary community based response to domestic violence cases that pose the greatest risk of lethality.  The launch of CAB HART is the result of a year-long process of planning, discussion and collaboration between several community partners and was inspired by the success of Newburyport Domestic Violence High Risk Case Response Team that was formed in the wake of a tragic domestic violence homicide in 2002.  Like the Newburyport model, CAB HART will emphasize collaboration and information-sharing between partner agencies to provide thoughtful and proactive interventions to domestic violence victims who are at the most serious risk of harm and their families. Through the use of danger assessment tools, CAB HART will identify high-risk cases.  On a monthly basis, or on an emergency basis, the team will meet to review referred cases and will develop and implement crisis intervention plans for victims and their families. 

Since taking office in 2007, District Attorney Leone has announced a number of DV initiatives, most recently a pro-bono representation initiative for victims of domestic violence in partnership with several area law firms.  The office has also launched a comprehensive effort to train and better coordinate with local police departments - helping them to better identify and investigate cases of domestic violence. In addition to on-site trainings, members of the Middlesex DA’s Domestic Violence Unit are also going to be providing departments with:

· Roll call training video

· Risk Factor cards to help better identify high risk instances of domestic violence

· Dispatcher checklists and trainings to help better respond to DV victim calls

The DA’s office has also designated specific Domestic Violence Assistant District Attorneys in each district court who are trained and focused on the prosecution of those crimes. Each local police department has also committed to establishing a DV point of contact to serve as a liaison to the DV Unit.

Finally, Leone has established a Domestic Violence Board in which each region in Middlesex County is represented by a police officer and a victim service provider.  The purpose of the board is to ensure that the District Attorney’s Office is addressing the needs of domestic violence victims consistently and appropriately for the particular area of the county in which they reside. This is in addition to the establishment of further regional Domestic Violence Roundtables that work to bring together community partners who serve victims of domestic violence.  The office now sponsors seven Domestic Violence Roundtables across Middlesex County. 

These programs are part of Leone’s continuing commitment to preventing, investigating, and prosecuting cases of domestic violence. In September 2007, Leone created the office’s Domestic Violence Unit, consisting of a lead Assistant District Attorney, other designated prosecutors, and victim witness advocates.

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