City’s ’10 tally: 72 homicides, most unsolved

City’s ’10 tally: 72 homicides, most unsolved

By Maria Cramer
Globe Staff / December 31, 2010


Boston had 72 homicides in 2010
With just one day to go before the end of the year, only 27 of the 72 killings reported, about 38 percent, had been solved as of yesterday.

FULL STORY HERE
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/12/31/bostons_2010_tally_72_homicides_most_unsolved/?p1=News_links

READ MORE - City’s ’10 tally: 72 homicides, most unsolved

Chuck Turner: Put me back on City Council

Chuck Turner: Put me back on City Council

By Dave Wedge  |   Friday, December 31, 2010  |  http://www.bostonherald.com  |  Local Politics
Photo by Herald file

Embattled ex-City Councilor Chuck Turner, who is awaiting sentencing on a federal bribery rap, says he was wrongly booted from the council and wants a judge to reinstate him.

“We want him to serve out the balance of his term,” Turner’s attorney, Chester Darling, told the Herald last night. “They had no authority to (remove him).”

Darling has filed a complaint in U.S. District Court seeking a temporary restraining order of the council’s order removing Turner from office. The motion also seeks to halt a planned February election to fill the vacancy left by Turner’s removal. If granted by a federal judge, Turner would be returned to office.

The complaint alleges the council did not have authority to boot Turner and alleges his colleagues relied on a flawed reading of city law.

Darling said the city has no rules in its official charter that allow for the board to bounce a member for a felony conviction. He argued the council should have filed a home-rule petition and received approval from the state Legislature before ousting Turner.

“It was a disgrace what happened up there,” said Darling, an 81-year-old former city attorney who came out of retirement to represent Turner.

Turner is slated to be sentenced later this month for taking a $1,000 bribe as part of a federal sting targeting corrupt politicians. Once he’s sent to prison, he will automatically lose his seat as state law permits the removal of elected officials sent to jail for a felony.

Turner, who was elected to the council in 1999, was re-elected in 2009 to a two-year term slated to expire Dec. 31, 2011. The council voted 11 to 1 on Dec. 1 to remove Turner from office with only Councilor Charles Yancey opposing.

The court filing also seeks declaratory judgment for Turner for his alleged wrongful removal. The documents list a dozen of Turner’s constituents as plaintiffs who are also seeking declaratory judgment for alleged violations of their rights.

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view.bg?articleid=1306378

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Local man nabbed in luggage blast Ammunition was in bag checked at Logan airport

Local man nabbed in luggage blast
Ammunition was in bag checked at Logan airport

Orville A. Braham

By Ira Kantor  |   Thursday, December 30, 2010  |  http://www.bostonherald.com  |  Local Coverage

The FBI is slapping a Brockton man with federal charges for allegedly transporting ammunition without proper licensing after one of his suitcases exploded at Miami International Airport Tuesday, according to an affidavit filed yesterday.

On Tuesday morning, Orville A. Braham, 37, boarded American Airlines [AMR] Flight 2585 at Logan International Airport bound for Miami with a final destination of Kingston, Jamaica, according to an FBI affidavit. Braham checked two bags and carried two bags on the plane.

A baggage handler at Miami International Airport picked up one of Braham’s suitcases and put it on the ground whereupon it exploded, according to the affidavit. The explosion caused shrapnel to embed in the handler’s shoe.

An examination of Braham’s suitcase revealed hundreds of .45 caliber ammunition primers detonated upon impact, the affidavit stated. FBI agents then searched Braham’s other suitcase and “found hundreds of ammunition primers in a plastic bag concealed in the lining of the suitcase, along with components of a disassembled ammunition reloading press.”

After being arrested, Braham denied having anything in his suitcase that would have exploded, claiming he only packed clothing. Upon further questioning, he eventually admitted he had 700 ammunition primers in the suitcase that he bought at a gun show in Holbrook in November 2009, according to the affidavit.

“He explained that he used to reload ammunition as a hobby,” the affidavit states. “He claimed that he placed the 700 ammunition primers and the reloading press in a bag and hid them in a suitcase in his basement to keep them away from his kids. He claimed that he did not remember that these items were in his suitcase when he used it to travel to Jamaica.”

FBI officials said Tuesday the incident was not tied to a terrorism threat.

The incident was not Braham’s first brush with the law: On Oct. 31, he was busted for trying to steal four flat-screen televisions from a Stoughton BJ’s, according to Stoughton cops. He was found with a .22 Beretta handgun in his waistband when he was arrested, but police and the Norfolk District Attorney’s office said he had a valid license.

Braham was charged with receiving stolen property and using a firearm in the commission of a felony, said Stoughton Police Chief Paul Shastany. Braham is due in Stoughton District Court Jan. 11 for a probable cause hearing.

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1306193

READ MORE - Local man nabbed in luggage blast Ammunition was in bag checked at Logan airport

Cops: Suspect shot at ex, then stole her car

Cops: Suspect shot at ex, then stole her car

By Laura Crimaldi  |   Wednesday, December 29, 2010  |  http://www.bostonherald.com  |  Local Coverage

Boston cops are asking the public to be on the lookout for a 23-year-old man who shot at his ex-girlfriend’s car while she was driving yesterday and then took off in her vehicle after she and her passenger ran into a Jamaica Plain police station for help.

Eric McPhail was last seen driving a gray 2002 Nissan Altima with Massachusetts license number 194FE7, police said. He is considered “armed and dangerous.”

Anyone who sees McPhail or the vehicle is asked to dial 911.

Police said that McPhail trailed his ex-girlfriend from her home to the intersection of Blue Hill Avenue and the American Legion Highway in Dorchester. That’s where he rammed into the woman’s car, pulled up next to her and fired at the vehicle, the two women told police. The shots missed the woman and her passenger, they said.

The ex-girlfriend and her passenger fled to the District E-13 police station in Jamaica Plain, where they went inside and told officers what was happening at 9:52 a.m., police said.

While they were inside the station, McPhail stole his ex-girlfriend’s car and then fled, police said.

McPhail is described as a black male who is 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs between 145 and 155 pounds, police said. He has dreadlocks and was last seen wearing a brown jacket and a blue and tan hooded sweatshirt, cops said.

McPhail is charged with armed assault with intent to murder in connection to yesterday’s incident and is wanted on several other outstanding warrants, police said.

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1305966

READ MORE - Cops: Suspect shot at ex, then stole her car

Dianne Wilkerson’s son mulls council run

Dianne Wilkerson’s son mulls council run

By Christine McConville  |   Wednesday, December 29, 2010  |  http://www.bostonherald.com  |  Local Politics

Photo by Angela Rowlings
The son of disgraced state Sen. Dianne Wilkerson — who’s mulling a run for convicted felon Chuck Turner’s open City Council seat — is already creating buzz in the Hub, and he hasn’t even officially thrown his hat into the ring.

Cornell D. Mills has said little about his plans, but he told that Herald last week he’s pulled papers for the Feb. 15 preliminary election to fill Turner’s former seat. The 70-year-old Turner is awaiting sentencing on a federal bribery conviction, as is Mills’ mother, the longtime Roxbury senator.

“I’m excited to see (Mills) emerge as a candidate and I think he’ll do very well,” said incoming state Rep. Carlos Henriquez. “He understands the political landscape in Boston and District 7.”

Added retired state Sen. Bill Owens: “I have met him several times, and he seems to be educated, articulate, and seems to have good common sense. He should be given an opportunity to earn his place in history.”

Mills, 36, spent his Christmas holiday assembling a campaign staff, gathering voter signatures and seeking endorsements, according to two neighborhood activists who requested anonymity. District 7 spans parts of Roxbury, Dorchester, the South End and the Fenway.

Mills’ candidacy won’t be official until tomorrow, when candidates must submit their nomination papers, including signatures from 191 registered voters.

The final two-person runoff is March 15.

Mills is a licensed real estate broker who attended Boston College High School and ran a Jones Hill cafe with his cousin.

In 2005, Mills made his own headlines when he landed a job as a civilian investigator with the Suffolk District Attorney’s Office homicide division despite his lengthy arrest record.

The Boston Globe reported in 2005 that Mills was busted four times between 1991 and 2000 on an array of charges, from assaulting a police officer to possessing marijuana. All the charges were ultimately dismissed. Wilkerson decried the Globe article as a smear based on inaccurate information.

At least 15 people, including Mills, have pulled papers for the seat. Turner has named Tito Jackson, an aide to Gov. Deval Patrick, as his preferred successor.

Jamarhl Crawford, editor of the neighborhood political Web site Blackstonian.com, believes the race will come down to Jackson and Mills “because they have the highest level of name recognition.”

One veteran City Hall observer said Mills just might have the edge.

“The district may feel sorry for him,” said Joseph Slavet, former head of the Boston Municipal Research Bureau. “Sometimes voters, when they feel sorry for somebody, they might say, ‘Well, why don’t we give him a chance?’ ”

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view.bg?articleid=1305962

READ MORE - Dianne Wilkerson’s son mulls council run

Liquor, beer, wine sales tax to end Jan. 1

Liquor, beer, wine sales tax to end Jan. 1

Associated Press / December 27, 2010

Shoppers in Massachusetts will soon no longer have to pay the state’s 6.25 percent sales tax on alcohol sold in stores. Voters approved a ballot question in November eliminating the levy, and it is set to disappear Jan. 1. Alcohol was exempt until 2009, when lawmakers expanded the sales tax to include beer and wine sold in stores and to use the extra revenue to help pay for substance-abuse programs. The package store industry and beer distributors launched an advertising campaign in support of a ballot question to repeal the tax, ultimately outspending supporters of the tax by a 10-to-1 ratio. Store owners argued that the tax hurt sales, especially for stores on the border with New Hampshire, which has no sales tax.

READ MORE - Liquor, beer, wine sales tax to end Jan. 1

For Web-ready council, paper is so last century

For Web-ready council, paper is so last century
By Andrew Ryan
Globe Staff / December 27, 2010

Here’s a holiday gift for the government gadfly who just can’t get enough consent agendas, hearing orders, and nonbinding resolutions: The Boston City Council is going paperless.

It means that all the council’s work — every committee report, every 17F request for city data, every “whereas’’ — will be instantly available on the Internet.

But wait, there’s more.

FULL STORY HERE
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/12/27/for_web_ready_boston_city_council_paper_is_so_last_century/

READ MORE - For Web-ready council, paper is so last century

Boy took charge to save mother during seizure

Boy took charge to save mother during seizure

Vanessa Daniel hugged her son Ethan, who called 911 when she had a stroke. (Yoon S. Byun/ Globe Staff)
By Matt Byrne
Globe Correspondent / December 27, 2010

It was the night before Thanksgiving and Vanessa Daniel, a mother of seven who was six months pregnant, was not feeling well.

She put her children to bed in their Dorchester home and retired before midnight, hoping she would feel better in the morning.

“The next thing I know, I wake up, it’s Thanksgiving, and I’m in the hospital,’’ said Daniel, 33. “I kept asking, ‘Where is my baby?’ ’’

FULL STORY HERE
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/12/27/dorchester_boy_took_charge_to_save_mother/

READ MORE - Boy took charge to save mother during seizure

Woburn cop, suspect killed in robbery gunfight

Woburn cop, suspect killed in robbery gunfight

By O’Ryan Johnson and Ira Kantor  |   Sunday, December 26, 2010  |  http://www.bostonherald.com  |  Local Coverage

A Woburn police officer was shot and killed tonight in an exchange of gunfire with an armed robber at a Kohl’s department store, according to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.

One suspect was killed in the gunfight. A second suspect was later arrested by a state trooper without incident, state police spokesman David Procopio said.

The attempted robbery took place about 9 p.m., near closing time. Several officers responded to the reported robbery, and an exchange of gunfire took place.

The police officer was rushed to the Leahy Clinic in Burlington, where police maintained a vigil at the entrance to the Emergency Room. The identity of the slain police officer was not released.

Later, teams of police with K-9 dogs and assault rifles were hunting the large retail complexes in the area for a suspect, going door to door among display model sheds in a Lowe’s parking lot. State police sent nearly 30 troopers to assist loval police in the search.

Officers said they were searching a pickup truck in the Lowe’s lot, adjacent to the Kohl’s building, which they said they believed might have been a getaway vehicle.

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1305634

READ MORE - Woburn cop, suspect killed in robbery gunfight

Cornell Mills running for District 7 Council seat

BLACKSTONIAN EXCLUSIVE:

Cornell Mills has officially entered the race for the District 7 seat vacated after the ouster of Chuck Turner.  Mills, a longtime Bostonian has deep ties with the Roxbury section of Boston. Mills has been hounded by reporters since his name circulated as a potential candidate and is expected to face media scrutiny and controversy as the son of former Senator Dianne Wilkerson.  Mills has told the Blackstonian that his focus is on the District and providing leadership for the community while navigating the political circles he has been organizing in for the last decade and a half.

The field of candidates thus far has grown to 12. The preliminary election is to be  held February 15th which will narrow the field to the final 2 candidates. The final election will be held March 15th.

Boston Globe Story

Field of candidates vying for Turner’s City Council seat keeps growing
December 26, 2010

The race to succeed Chuck Turner on the Boston City Council has gotten off to a curious start.
It sort of began in early November, when Turner was in limbo, still a member of the council but also freshly convicted of pocketing a $1,000 bribe.

FULL STORY HERE:
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/12/26/field_of_candidates_vying_for_turners_city_council_seat_keeps_growing/?p1=Local_Links

READ MORE - Cornell Mills running for District 7 Council seat

DOING GOOD IN THE HOOD!!! Family in need!!!

BLACKSTONIAN ALERT!!!

DOING GOOD IN THE HOOD
FAMILY IN NEED

Please read the below story which was a letter submitted to a local Boston holiday sweepstakes giveaway from Ayanna, a Mother of 6 who is currently in need. This was sent to me by Darrin Howell.
For information on how you can help this family please call Darrin at 617-785-2802...
drop offs will be at MAMLEO 61 Columbia Rd. (Corner of Seaver St./Columbia Rd.)
Needed: Beds, Bedding, Gifts for children, Money, Food, etc.

Read the letter below and see the Channel 5 News Story
Mold Forces Family Out Of Their Home - Video - WCVB Boston

Hi,

My name is Ayanna O'Brien and yes I am a single mother.  Actually a single mother of six.  My children are 21, 15, 14, 10, 8 and 2 years of age.  I know you have received many letters and I understand that the decision process must be very hard for you. I am also sure that there are a lot of deserving moms out there but if I could just have a couple of minutes of your time to explain to you what this blessing could do for me and my children during this holiday time.

I sort of want to start from the beginning and just let you know that I have always worked since the age of 15.  I must say that on one occasion while I was sick I did reach out for help to the welfare office.  I received assistance for six months and then went back to work and asked to have my assistance stopped.  My children's father was a very abusive alcoholic but I tried my best to hide the bruises and tears as much as possible from my children.  I finally got fed up with it and after begging him to stop repeatedly, I left.  Even though it was hard I was still able to give my children the necessities that they needed.  Although I had saved money for my family, unfortunately, he ended up cleaning my bank account completely out.  All I could do was cry.  I had no money for rent, for food or even just odds and ends.

I have been trying to hang on to my store that I worked so hard to maintain, but I no longer can.  Tomorrow I must move from a mold infested home because my child was hospitalized in the intensive care unit for a week. We cannot take any furniture with us because the State Health Department will be here to force us out.  I have no money for a truck nor do I have any help to pay for one.  I must move back into a neighborhood that I left to give my six children a better life.  Here it is a couple of days before Christmas and I still have no Christmas tree, no presents and barely any hope.

The one thing that I do have is my belief in Jesus and even though I have been praying constantly, I am just not sure how to get my children at least one gift.  Don't get me wrong, there are many children out there just like mine...hoping to get what they want for Christmas. But Jarvis the only things that my children asked me for were beds to sleep in, a tv to watch and a Christmas tree.  So, for only the second time since I became a mother, I am asking someone for help.  Please consider me and my family for your holiday sweepstakes, if not, we would still like to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas.

READ MORE - DOING GOOD IN THE HOOD!!! Family in need!!!

Cops put on Santa hats Fill Eastie family’s home with spirit

Cops put on Santa hats
Fill Eastie family’s home with spirit
By Richard Weir  |   Saturday, December 25, 2010  |  http://www.bostonherald.com  |  Local Coverage

DO-GOODERS: Boston police officers Carolyn Kennedy, left, and Debra Blandin delivered Christmas decorations and presents to an East Boston family.
Photo by Mark Garfinkel

The 4 a.m. call was for a domestic incident — a yelling match — inside a two-family home in East Boston’s Eagle Hill. The story could have ended with a routine police warning.

Instead, a little girl will wake up today to a decorated tree and the quiet blessing of gifts borne by strangers — strangers who arrived in a cruiser, wearing Boston Police Department uniform, and returned with the humble spirit of Christmas in their hearts.

“We are just people helping people,” said Boston police officer Carolyn Kennedy. “That’s what makes a community — good deeds passed on,”

This particular good deed began last Saturday in a most unlikely way, when a relative phoned police to say a couple had gotten into a loud argument that awakened neighbors.

When Kennedy and her partner, officer Debra Blandin, walked into the second-floor flat, they braced for an explosive atmosphere. “You’re always on guard because domestics are one of the most dangerous calls to go on because it’s personal, emotional,” Kennedy said.

But what they encountered was a wife angry at her husband, a cook, because he came home late after a night of drinking with buddies and woke up their toddler to give her a hug and kiss.

“He stated that he always comes home and hugs the baby and kisses the baby,” said Kennedy who, after lecturing the dad that a child needs her sleep, sent him off to cool down.

As the officers comforted the rattled mother, they looked around the tiny apartment and saw that its walls, while covered in photos of the couple and their adorable daughter, lacked any holiday lights or decorations.

“There was no Christmas spirit at all, especially having a 2-year-old in the house,” said Blandin, 48, a mother of two teens. Added Kennedy, 49, a mom and grandma: “The house was immaculate. It looked great. It was just missing presents. And every kid has to have presents to open.”

The officers said they had a gut feeling the young El Salvadoran family could use a little help. As delicately as they could, they raised the issue. Yes, the toddler’s mother told them, we do celebrate Christmas — but we’re hurting financially this year.

The two cops, both 15-year veterans, had been on duty all night. Their shift was almost over and all they needed to do was head back to the Paris Street station and write up a report.

But first, they made a detour. They hit a 24-hour Walgreens and bought a 4-foot-tall tree that came bedecked with lights, a baby doll and a play oven with a cupcake pan and a tea kettle. Then they wrapped the toys.

“We know for a fact that kids like to tear things open,” Blandin said.

The next morning, they returned to the house after their midnight-8 a.m. shift. The mother, dressed in her church clothes, answered the door.

“She came down the stairs, Blandin said, “and her face lit up.”

For cops, said Lt. Christopher Hamilton, the officers’ commander, success is often measured by how many tickets one writes, how many arrests one makes, how many convictions one gets. But the public, he said, is going to measure you by the kind of person you are. Kennedy and Blandin?

“Quite simply, they’re good cops, but deep down inside, they are also good people.”

For the two women in the BPD uniforms, it was simpler.

“She just touched us,” Blandin said of the bubbly little girl with the bright brown eyes. “That beautiful smile, it melts you. When we go to calls like this, they’re the ones that count. The children, as long as they’re OK, everything is good.”

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1305354

READ MORE - Cops put on Santa hats Fill Eastie family’s home with spirit

A sour note for charity Some celebrities give while Bono wastes his time with spendy handbags

A sour note for charity
Some celebrities give while Bono wastes his time with spendy handbags

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie gave more than $6.4 million in 2008, with an overhead of only 4.5 percent.
By Derrick Z. Jackson
Globe Columnist / December 25, 2010

AS SANTA rides across America with toys on a sleigh, Bono is dropping into Africa on a bush plane bearing gifts from Louis Vuitton. This charity stunt is a little rich — in the literal sense.

FULL STORY HERE
http://boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2010/12/25/a_sour_note_for_charity/?p1=Features_link1

READ MORE - A sour note for charity Some celebrities give while Bono wastes his time with spendy handbags

Writing on inmate’s online wall

Writing on inmate’s online wall

By Staff and wire reports  |   Friday, December 24, 2010  |  http://www.bostonherald.com  |  Local Coverage

The Department of Correction is investigating whether a 31-year-old inmate incarcerated at MCI-Plymouth was able to post messages on a Facebook account in his name using a smuggled cell phone.

“Inmates don’t have Internet access, and they’re not allowed to have cell phones. We can’t jump to conclusions,” said DOC spokeswoman Diane Wiffin, who declined to say if any contraband was found in his cell. One of the postings read, “Another nite in the slums. Lol.” A second said, “Doin some cell time. Watchin tv ;)”

The inmate is serving a three-year sentence.

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1305219

READ MORE - Writing on inmate’s online wall

Blue Christmas for Boston crooks

Blue Christmas for Boston crooks

‘WE ARE A STEP AHEAD OF YOU’: City employee Brooke Woodson, flanked by Mayor Tom Menino and Boston police Commissioner Edward Davis, holds up one of the bass guitars yesterday that were recovered during a sting in Downtown Crossing.
Photo by Angela Rowlings
By Renee Nadeau Algarin  |   Friday, December 24, 2010  |  http://www.bostonherald.com  |  Local Coverage


The small jewelry store opened in Downtown Crossing just in time for the Christmas shopping season, catering to a special class of clientele: the criminal class.

Maybe the shop’s name, MIB Jewelers — as in Men in Blue — should have been a tip-off, but unwitting crooks began flocking merrily to the sting operation the day it opened, Commissioner Edward Davis said yesterday. Undercover cops had put the word out they were willing to buy stolen goods at the store at 365 Washington St. in Downtown Crossing, and there were plenty of sellers.

“To all the criminals out there, know this,” Mayor Thomas M. Menino said yesterday, flanked by Davis and District Attorney Daniel Conley. “We are a step ahead of you.”

The operation, which was manned by two undercover cops and outfitted with security cameras, recovered more than 230 stolen items and helped police obtain 24 arrest warrants.

The police took no chances, even using the laws of capitalism to catch the thieves: In advance of MIB’s grand opening, the department cut out the competition by busting eight other stores suspected of fencing property.

“It’s much more difficult today to sell stolen goods than it was two weeks ago,” Davis said,

Along with cell phones, Xbox consoles, boxed cashmere sweaters and flat-screen TVs, police got back three guitars stolen from city employee Brooke Woodson, whose home was burgled Dec. 9.

“I was just so disheartened. It was just a sinking feeling, especially this time of year,” recalled a relieved Woodson as he cradled one of his beloved guitars in the fake store yesterday.



A suspect in the burglary at Woodson’s home, Nestor Mota-Diaz, 18, was arraigned in West Roxbury District Court on two counts of receiving stolen property over $250 and ordered held without bail on two outstanding warrants, according to Conley’s office. Ayanie Mohamed, 20, of Charlestown, Anthony Martinez, 17, and Gale Ashkir, 21, of Roxbury also were arraigned in connection with the sting. They all pleaded not guilty.

All together, the stolen belongings of about 200 people were hocked at MIB, Davis estimated, Police are working with departments in other cities and with MBTA police to find the items’ rightful owners.

Asked whether he had ever worried that perps might figure out what the store’s acronym stood for, Davis said no, noting an eternal rule of law enforcement.

“We don’t catch the smart ones,” he said.

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1305138

READ MORE - Blue Christmas for Boston crooks

Pre-sentencing hearing set for Dianne Wilkerson

Pre-sentencing hearing set for Dianne Wilkerson

By Associated Press  |   Wednesday, December 22, 2010  |  http://www.bostonherald.com  |  Local Politics

BOSTON (-- A federal judge is set to hear more testimony before selecting a final sentencing date for former state Sen. Dianne Wilkerson on corruption charges.

Wilkerson’s sentencing was originally scheduled for Wednesday. But U.S. District Court Judge Douglas Woodlock is now expected to take testimony that morning from a developer who claims Wilkerson solicited bribes from her.

Wilkerson was not charged over those alleged payments, and her lawyer has said she did not solicit the money. Woodlock is expected to set Wilkerson’s sentencing date after hearing the developer’s testimony.

Wilkerson pleaded guilty in June to eight counts of attempted extortion after she was captured on video stuffing bribe money into her bra. She was accused of taking $23,500 in bribes to help get a liquor license for a nightclub and an undercover agent posing as a businessman.

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view.bg?articleid=1304807

READ MORE - Pre-sentencing hearing set for Dianne Wilkerson

Boston detective retires amid investigation

Boston detective retires amid investigation
By O’Ryan Johnson  |   Wednesday, December 22, 2010  |  http://www.bostonherald.com  |  Local Coverage

Lt. Detective Trent Holland, 55, of Brockton
Photo by Matt Stone (file)

A Boston police detective quietly retired Monday night and hired a high-powered defense lawyer amid a Cape probe, police said.

Boston police say there is an open internal investigation into Lt. Detective Trent Holland, 55, of Brockton, relating to an allegation made about an incident 15 years ago in Dennis, said Boston Police Department spokeswoman Elaine Driscoll.

Holland’s lawyer, Thomas Drechsler, declined to say why he was hired by Holland but said he is not aware of any allegation of wrongdoing against his client.

“He made a personal decision to retire,” Drechsler said. “He’s had a long and distinguished career . . . I want to emphasize he hasn’t been served with any charges. There are no charges pending against him.”

Cape and Islands District Attorney Michael O’Keefe said he was not aware of any criminal investigation by his office into Holland.

Holland has a long history of prevailing against complaints of official wrongdoing. Driscoll said Holland’s only sustained Internal Affairs complaint was for failing to note injuries to a prisoner in 1987.

Holland was accused of wrongfully detaining witnesses in the Carol DiMaiti Stuart murder case, but he and three other cops were cleared by a federal jury in 1995.

Later that year, Holland was acquitted of an allegation of planting drugs. In 1997, he was acquitted of a civil rights violation in a botched drug raid.

In 1998, Holland was sued by Marvin Mitchell, who was cleared of child rape by DNA evidence after serving seven years. Mitchell claimed Holland lied under oath.

The city settled the case, with no admission of guilt, Mitchell’s lawyer said yesterday.

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1304760

READ MORE - Boston detective retires amid investigation

Ireland takes place atop Mass. Supreme Court

Ireland takes place atop Mass. Supreme Court
By Associated Press  |   Sunday, December 19, 2010  |  http://www.bostonherald.com  |  Local Politics

Photo by AP

BOSTON - Gov. Deval Patrick has sworn in the first black chief justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.

Roderick Ireland replaces Margaret Marshall.

As chief, Ireland will oversee the state’s sprawling court system, which has been plagued by high caseloads, budget challenges and allegations of political favoritism.

Gov. Patrick, the state’s first black chief executive, says he is proud to have been able to name the first black chief justice.

Ireland, a Springfield native, says he’ll seek more transparency for the courts while promising to do the best he can with current financial resources.

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view.bg?articleid=1304234

READ MORE - Ireland takes place atop Mass. Supreme Court

Judge to hear testimony in Dianne Wilkerson case

Judge to hear testimony in Dianne Wilkerson case

By Associated Press  |   Sunday, December 19, 2010  |  http://www.bostonherald.com  |  Local Politics

BOSTON — A federal judge is expected to hear more testimony before scheduling a sentencing date for former state Sen. Dianne Wilkerson on corruption charges.

Wilkerson’s sentencing was scheduled to occur Wednesday, but Judge Douglas Woodlock is now expected to take testimony that day from a developer who claims Wilkerson solicited bribes from her.

Wilkerson was not charged in connection with those alleged payments, and her lawyer has said she did not solicit the money. Woodlock is expected to set Wilkerson’s sentencing date after hearing the developer’s testimony Wednesday.

Wilkerson pleaded guilty in June to eight counts of attempted extortion after she was captured on video stuffing bribe money into her sweater and bra.

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view.bg?articleid=1304236

READ MORE - Judge to hear testimony in Dianne Wilkerson case

Man, 21, dies after shooting in Roxbury

Man, 21, dies after shooting in Roxbury

December 17, 2010
Boston Globe

FULL STORY HERE
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/12/17/man_21_dies_after_shooting_in_roxbury/

READ MORE - Man, 21, dies after shooting in Roxbury

Son of deceased Roxbury woman speaks on Tobacco case

READ MORE - Son of deceased Roxbury woman speaks on Tobacco case

Jury adds $81M to award

Jury adds $81M to award

By Ira Kantor  |   Friday, December 17, 2010  |  http://www.bostonherald.com  |  Local Coverage

A Suffolk Superior Court jury awarded another $81 million in punitive damages yesterday to the estate and son of a lifelong Roxbury smoker after determining tobacco giant Lorillard, Inc. enticed her and other neighborhood children to smoke by passing out free cigarettes.

The verdict came two days after the same jury awarded the estate of Marie Evans $50 million in compensatory damages and her son, Willie Evans, $21 million.

“The jury understood that what Lorillard had done to addict kids was really evil,” said Tom Frisardi, co-counsel representing the Evans estate and Willie Evans in the case. “This jury understood that for some people, addiction is a problem that they simply won’t overcome — even very, very strong-willed people. That’s what the cigarette companies are counting on to keep their business going, and I think this jury was exceptional and understood all of that.”

Willie Evans and his mother’s estate claimed Marie Evans received free Newport cigarettes at age 9 from the Greenboro, N.C.-based company while living in Roxbury’s Orchard Park housing project. She initially gave them to her older sisters or traded them for candy.

A smoker since age 13, Marie Evans died in 2002 at age 54 from lung cancer.

The lawsuit is believed to be the first in the country to accuse a cigarette maker of targeting black children by giving away cigarettes in urban neighborhoods, according to experts.

Willie Evans could not be reached for comment last night.

Lorillard spokesman Gregg Perry declined to comment yesterday, referring to a company statement issued Tuesday: “Lorillard respectfully disagrees with the jury’s verdict and denies the plaintiff’s claim that the company sampled to children or adults at Orchard Park in the early 1960s. The plaintiff’s 50-year-old memories were persuasively contradicted by testimony from several witnesses. The company will appeal and is confident it will prevail once the Massachusetts Court of Appeals reviews this case.”

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1303759

READ MORE - Jury adds $81M to award

Lawyer: Killing of Danroy Henry was murder

Lawyer: Killing of Danroy Henry was murder

Prosecutor Michael Borelli, left, speaks during a hearing at Mount Pleasant Town Court, Thursday, as attorney Bonita Zelman, second left, and defendants Daniel Parker, left, Joseph Garcia, center left, Joseph Romanick, center right and Yves Delpeche listen
By Associated Press  |   Friday, December 17, 2010  |  http://www.bostonherald.com  |  Local Coverage
Photo by AP

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — The police killing of a college football player was "nothing short of intentional murder," a lawyer for the student’s family said Thursday as he renewed his demand for an independent prosecutor to investigate the off-campus shooting.

Attorney Michael Sussman’s charge was an escalation of his previous comments on the Oct. 17 killing of 20-year-old Danroy "D.J." Henry. Witness accounts of the shooting have differed sharply, and a grand jury is investigating.

Henry, of Easton, Mass., was killed when police officers fired through the windshield of his car as he drove from the scene of a bar disturbance in the New York City suburb Thornwood, near the Pace University campus, after the school’s homecoming game. Sussman said the fatal bullets were fired by Pleasantville Officer Aaron Hess, who has acknowledged shooting at Henry.

A lawyer for Hess, John K. Grant, did not immediately return phone and e-mail messages Thursday. He said earlier this month that Henry’s car hit Hess and threw him onto the hood, then kept accelerating.

"Officer Hess had no other available alternative but to fire at the operator to stop the threat," Grant said.

Autopsy results included a blood-alcohol level above the legal limit for driving. Sussman has disputed that finding and said Thursday that the results may have been tampered with.

Sussman said he based his murder allegation on autopsy results and his deductions about the paths of the bullets. He said Hess tracked Henry and kept aiming for him as Henry recoiled from the gunshots.

"D.J. Henry was curling in a way to get away from the first shot when the second and third shots were fired, and those shots are the shots that killed him," Sussman said during a telephone news conference. "This was nothing short of intentional murder, period."

Sussman has insisted for months that Westchester District Attorney Janet DiFiore, who’s leading the investigation, is too close to the police departments involved and should step aside.

He said Thursday that he has asked Gov. David Paterson to appoint a special prosecutor. He had already requested that the federal Department of Justice investigate. The department said it was monitoring the case "and if appropriate will undertake an independent review."

Earlier Thursday, the district attorney’s office alleged improper conduct by the lawyer for four of Henry’s teammates, who are charged with various misdemeanors in the aftermath of the police shooting.

Assistant District Attorney Patricia Murphy said lawyer Bonita Zelman refused to let police talk to a witness unless charges were dropped against her clients.

"The people will not, will never accede to coercion to resolve these cases," Murphy said during the students’ appearance in Mount Pleasant Town Court.

Zelman denied the charge, saying, "It never happened."

Town Justice Robert Ponzini said prosecutors could file a written complaint against Zelman.

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1303827

READ MORE - Lawyer: Killing of Danroy Henry was murder

Court clerk gets 2 years for soliciting sex

Court clerk gets 2 years for soliciting sex

By Associated Press  |   Friday, December 17, 2010  |  http://www.bostonherald.com  |  Local Coverage

BOSTON — A former Massachusetts court clerk has been sentenced to two years in prison for seeking sexual favors from women facing prostitution charges.

James Burke was sentenced Thursday in federal court in Boston on two counts of deprivation of civil rights.

Prosecutors say the 43-year-old Burke, a clerk magistrate in Chelsea District Court, removed one woman from the lockup area, took her into a room in the courthouse and received oral sex after promising to help her with her case.

Burke threatened to lock up a second woman if she did not agree to his demands. She yielded in a locked room in the courthouse.

He is free on bail until he has to report to prison Jan. 14.

His lawyer says the women face some responsibility for his actions.

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1303856

READ MORE - Court clerk gets 2 years for soliciting sex

Chuck Turner to Sue City for ouster

Chuck Turner to sue City for ouster

by: Jamarhl Crawford, Blackstonian

Chuck Turner has secured the legal counsel of Chester Darling, storied conservative legal champion, who is coming out of retirement to represent Turner in what will now become the proverbial federal case.  Darling made his name in legal battles in this city ranging from anti-affirmative action stances to the banning of gay people from South Boston's St. Patrick's Day Parade.  After a highly publicized 11-1 vote to remove Turner, Darling sent a 3 page letter warning the Boston City Council not to go through with procedures to hold a special election to replace Turner after his federal conviction on felony charges.

Atty. Darling has stated he will file a complaint in US District Court in the next week.
The Boston City Council has slated the special election for February 15th with the final election on March 15th.
Turner faces sentencing on January 25th in US District Court.

FOR THE BOSTON GLOBE STORY


Turner’s not going away without a fight
Lawyer Darling says voter rights at issue

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/12/16/turners_not_going_away_without_a_fight/

READ MORE - Chuck Turner to Sue City for ouster

Two skulls found in box in Mission Hill

Two skulls found in box in Mission Hill

E-mail | Print Posted by Metro Desk December 15, 2010 05:33 PM
Bill Brett for The Boston Globe

FULL STORY HERE
http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/roxbury/2010/12/two_skulls_found_in_box_in_mis_1.html?p1=Local_Links

READ MORE - Two skulls found in box in Mission Hill

Menino returns to education fray Backs superintendent, urges broad overhauls

Menino returns to education fray
Backs superintendent, urges broad overhauls

Mayor Thomas M. Menino sought education overhaul in a speech yesterday, adding that he backed a school closing plan by Superintendent Carol R. Johnson, seen with Menino afterward. (Aram Boghosian for The Boston Globe)
By Andrew Ryan
Globe Staff / December 15, 2010

FULL STORY HERE
http://www.boston.com/news/education/k_12/articles/2010/12/15/menino_backs_superintendent_urges_broad_overhauls/

READ MORE - Menino returns to education fray Backs superintendent, urges broad overhauls

City Council to Vote on Special Election to replace Turner

City Council to Vote on Special Election to replace Turner

by: Jamarhl Crawford, Blackstonian

City Council President Michael Ross has filed the motion to set the date for the Special Election to fill the City Council seat of Chuck Turner.  City Council will most likely make their final decisions today as to the dates for Special Election. The preliminary election is slated for February 15th, with the final election one month later on March 15.

The special election has become necessary after the conviction of Councilor Chuck Turner on Federal charges. Boston City Council has a rule that no one convicted of a felony can serve on the Council and held proceedings which resulted in an 11-1 Council Vote to oust Turner.

READ MORE - City Council to Vote on Special Election to replace Turner

Teen under arrest in Springfield shooting

Teen under arrest in Springfield shooting

By Associated Press  |   Wednesday, December 15, 2010  |  http://www.bostonherald.com  |  Local Coverage

SPRINGFIELD - Police say a 34-year-old man is dead and an 18-year-old man is facing a murder charge following a shooting in Springfield.

Witnesses tell police that three armed men forced their way into a South End apartment at about 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday and shot and stabbed 34-year-old Ramon Leonardo-Cruz.

Leonardo-Cruz was taken to a hospital with a gunshot wound to the back and a stab wound to the chest. He was pronounced dead.

A car seen speeding from the scene was found a short time later. Juan Bermudez was arrested at his home and charged with murder. He is scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday.

Police believe the slaying was drug-related and more arrests are possible.

It was the city’s 16th homicide of the year.

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1303311

READ MORE - Teen under arrest in Springfield shooting

EMTs save holiday for needy children

EMTs save holiday for needy children
By O’Ryan Johnson  |   Wednesday, December 15, 2010  |  http://www.bostonherald.com  |  Local Coverage

SMILES: Kiyanna Wise, 11, above left, and Teveyne Telfer, 13, sing Christmas carols last night at Global Ministries Church, where EMTs distributed presents to needy kids.
Photo by Matthew West

As if saving lives every day of the year isn’t enough . . .

Big-hearted EMTs with sirens wailing delivered dozens of presents last night to kids who may not otherwise have much under the Christmas tree.

The EMTs hauled in stacks of presents on stretchers into Global Ministries Church on Washington Street in Dorchester, where Minister Barbara Nobles was on hand to help with the event. For more than 30 years, Boston Police Patrolmens Association

EMS Division buys and wraps dozens of presents to donate to worthy causes. For many years they donated to Boston Medical Center’s pediatric AIDS unit, but this year, they chose the church in order to get closer to the community they serve.

Meanwhile — as if fighting crime every day of the year isn’t enough — Boston police last night held the second annual Shop with a Cop event at the Target store in South Bay Plaza, where 100 uniformed police officers escorted kids through the store to pick out gifts. The event is sponsored by Target and the North American Family Institute.

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1303251

READ MORE - EMTs save holiday for needy children

Boston school reform vote slated

Boston school reform vote slated

By Associated Press  |   Wednesday, December 15, 2010  |  http://www.bostonherald.com  |  Local Coverage

BOSTON -- The Boston School Committee is to vote on plans to plug a projected $63 million budget deficit over the next fiscal year and improve the quality of academic programs.

The restructuring plan is part of Superintendent Carol Johnson’s efforts to eliminate budget and performance gaps.

Spokesman Matthew Wilder says plans to close nine schools and merge eight others into four will save $10 million.

The initiative also seeks to extend the school day, launch a teacher evaluation system tied to performance and link salaries and benefits to student results.

The reforms also seeks to cut the more than $300,000 in daily transportation costs and 5,600 empty seats that cost $20 million spent annually.

The school committee is scheduled to vote on the plans Wednesday evening.

Boston has 135 public schools, with 56,340 students.

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1303294

READ MORE - Boston school reform vote slated

Jury awards $71M in Roxbury woman’s smoking death

Jury awards $71M in Roxbury woman’s smoking death

DAMAGES: Marie Evans testifies in 2002 before her death from lung cancer.
By Associated Press  |   Wednesday, December 15, 2010  |  http://www.bostonherald.com  |  Local Coverage

A jury has ruled the Lorillard Tobacco Co. tried to entice black children to become smokers by handing out free cigarettes and has awarded $71 million in compensatory damages to the estate and son of a woman who died of lung cancer.

The Suffolk Superior Court jury announced its verdict Tuesday after hearing weeks of testimony.

Willie Evans alleged Lorillard introduced his mother, Marie Evans, to smoking as a child in the late 1950s by giving her free Newport cigarettes at the Orchard Park housing project in Boston, where she lived. He said his mother smoked for more than 40 years before dying of lung cancer at age 54.

The jury awarded Marie Evans’ estate $50 million in compensatory damages and gave her son $21 million. A hearing on possible punitive damages is set for Thursday.

During the trial, a lawyer for Lorillard, which is based in Greensboro, N.C., and also makes Kent, True, Old Gold, Maverick and Max cigarettes, said that like many other cigarette companies it gave away free samples decades ago to adults in an attempt to get them to switch brands. But the company insisted it did not give cigarettes to children and called the allegation that it intentionally gave samples to black children "disturbing."

The company’s lawyer also said Evans made the decision to start smoking and continued to smoke even after she suffered a heart attack in 1985 and her doctors repeatedly urged her to quit. A spokesman said the company would appeal the verdict.

"Lorillard respectfully disagrees with the jury’s verdict and denies the plaintiff’s claim that the company sampled to children or adults at Orchard Park in the early 1960s," company spokesman Gregg Perry said. "The plaintiff’s 50-year-old memories were persuasively contradicted by testimony from several witnesses. The company will appeal and is confident it will prevail once the Massachusetts Court of Appeals reviews this case."

Willie Evans’ attorney, Michael Weisman, declined to comment on the case until after Thursday’s court hearing.

The lawsuit was believed to be the first in the country to accuse a cigarette-maker of targeting black children by giving away cigarettes in urban neighborhoods, said Edward A. Sweda, senior attorney for the Tobacco Products Liability Project at Boston’s Northeastern University School of Law. He said the jury’s decision is "quite significant and groundbreaking here in Massachusetts for a plaintiff in a tobacco case."

Sweda predicted it could lead to similar lawsuits around the country by people who also recall getting free cigarettes as children.

"We’re hopeful that with the word of this verdict that it will not only help educate the public about this particular company and their history but may encourage other people who have gone through similar experiences in their lives to contact a lawyer," Sweda said.

Marie Evans’ lawyers said she received her first free cigarettes at about age 9 and initially gave them to her older sisters or traded them for candy. They said she began smoking at age 13.

Jurors also heard from Evans herself through a videotaped deposition she gave to her lawyers in 2002, three weeks before she died. On the tape, Evans said the cigarette giveaways had a "large impact" on her.

"Because they were available ... I didn’t worry about finding money to buy them," she said. "They seemed to be always available."

Evans said that over the years she made about 50 attempts to quit smoking but couldn’t.

"I was addicted," she said. "I just couldn’t stop."

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1303187

READ MORE - Jury awards $71M in Roxbury woman’s smoking death

2nd Annual DRIVE/Boston Family Gift Program

BLACKSTONIAN EXCLUSIVE!!!
DOING GOOD IN THE HOOD!!!

2nd Annual DRIVE/Boston Family Gift Program

We will be distributing gifts on...

DECEMBER 22, 2010 from 5-8PM

at Kays’ Oasis1125 Blue Hill Ave Dorchester, MA 02124

2nd Annual DRIVE /Boston Family Gift Program Registration Form

REGISTER NOW TO GET YOUR CHILD'S GIFT!!!

Please pre-register so that we can make sure we can guareetee your child/ren a gift. Also no gifts will be given to parents alone, you MUST have your child/ren present in order to recieve the gifts.
Project Coordinator: Darrin Howell

2nd Annual DRIVE/Boston Family Gift Program will be distributing gifts for families of those faced with the challenge of incarcerated family members. Through a generous allotment from Toys for Tots DRIVE/Boston will once again support the community of families who otherwise would not have had gifts this Holiday season.

DRIVE/Boston In cooperation with MAMLEO (Massachusetts Association of Minority Law Enforcement Officers) and Toys for Tots will distribute toys at the Second Annual Family Gift Program which will reach over five hundred families impacted by incarceration, probation and family need. This is an opportunity to model the strength and collaborations that this nation and community was built on. DRIVE/Boston has committed its resources and talent to this effort because of its passionate founders and supporters.
Please assist us in the continuing efforts to leverage families and communities from the grasp of recidivism and loss of hope due to the growing rate of incarceration locally, nationally and globally.

DRIVE/Boston supports guidance and direction to communities to prepare for juvenile and adult offenders who are returning home. Utilizing DRIVE Employment Models for combating recidivism and joblessness among the formerly incarcerated. We offer Training and Technical assistance to prepare the formerly incarcerated for careers in the expanding fields of employment. DRIVE/Boston brings together local agencies, faith and community-based organizations and businesses to provide positive, caring adult relationships and moral leadership to youthful offenders as they transition back into our communities. DRIVE/Boston knows that the high-crime/high-risk areas that become Weed and Seed sites have large numbers of returning offenders who will become re-involved in crime unless there is a focused effort to control re-entry through training and support services. DRIVE/Boston is workforce development at its best and defines success in its proven track record.

We will be distributing gifts on...

DECEMBER 22, 2010 from 5-8PM

at Kays’ Oasis1125 Blue Hill Ave Dorchester, MA 02124

2nd Annual DRIVE /Boston Family Gift Program Registration Form

REGISTER NOW TO GET YOUR CHILD'S GIFT!!!

Please pre-register so that we can make sure we can guareetee your child/ren a gift. Also no gifts will be given to parents alone, you MUST have your child/ren present in order to recieve the gifts.
Project Coordinator: Darrin Howell

READ MORE - 2nd Annual DRIVE/Boston Family Gift Program

The exacting quest for a good school Ambitious students of color seek aid at A Better Chance

The exacting quest for a good school
Ambitious students of color seek aid at A Better Chance

From left, Symone Gilbert of Providence, Chuko Eyemaro of Taunton, and Marcus Perry filled out applicant interview forms for A Better Chance yesterday at Beaver Country Day School in Brookline. (Pat Greenhouse/ Globe Staff)
By Kathleen Burge
Globe Staff / December 13, 2010

FULL STORY HERE
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/12/13/ambitious_students_of_color_seek_aid_at_a_better_chance/

READ MORE - The exacting quest for a good school Ambitious students of color seek aid at A Better Chance

Ending era of racism

Ending era of racism
By Adrian Walker
Globe Columnist / December 13, 2010

Frank G. Cousins Jr. freely admits that he has a hard time talking about the entrenched problems involving race and gender in his department.

That isn’t an easy admission for any sheriff. But then again, Cousins might be the only law enforcement boss to file a complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination against a group of his own subordinates. For creating a workplace that was hostile — toward him.

FULL STORY HERE
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/12/13/ending_era_of_racism/

READ MORE - Ending era of racism

Statistics on hate crimes are sparse Communities chart few, if any, bias offenses

Statistics on hate crimes are sparse
Communities chart few, if any, bias offenses

By Maria Cramer
Globe Staff / December 13, 2010

Hundreds of cities and towns in Massachusetts, including some of the state’s most diverse, report few or no hate crimes, statistics that civil rights advocates say are implausible and troubling.

FULL STORY HERE
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/12/13/statistics_on_hate_crimes_are_sparse/

HATE CRIME GRAPH
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/12/13/hate_graphic/

READ MORE - Statistics on hate crimes are sparse Communities chart few, if any, bias offenses

For top aide, echoes of governor’s journey

For top aide, echoes of governor’s journey

William “Mo’’ Cowan will fill a larger role on Beacon Hill as the governor’s chief of staff. (David L. Ryan/ Globe Staff)

FULL STORY HERE
http://www.boston.com/news/politics/articles/2010/12/13/for_top_patrick_aide_echoes_of_governors_journey/

READ MORE - For top aide, echoes of governor’s journey

Deliberations ongoing in Boston cigarette lawsuit

Deliberations ongoing in Boston cigarette lawsuit

By Associated Press  |   Monday, December 13, 2010  |  http://www.bostonherald.com  |  Local Coverage

BOSTON - Jurors in a lawsuit by the family of a Massachusetts woman who accused a tobacco company of enticing black children to smoke are scheduled to resume deliberations after saying they were deadlocked.

A Suffolk Superior Court judge asked the jury Friday to keep deliberating after the said they were deadlocked.

Deliberations resume Monday.

In the case, the son of a Boston woman who died of lung cancer is suing the maker of Newport cigarettes.

Marie Evans’ son says Lorillard Tobacco Co. lured her to start smoking at age 13 by giving away cigarette samples at her Boston housing project.

Lawyers for North Carolina-based Lorillard say there is no evidence to support that claim, and that it was Evans’ choice to start and continue smoking.

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1302776

READ MORE - Deliberations ongoing in Boston cigarette lawsuit

DA: Teen likely fell to death from jet

DA: Teen likely fell to death from jet

By Marie Szaniszlo & Joe Dwinell  |   Friday, December 10, 2010  |  http://www.bostonherald.com  |  Local Coverage

It appears a 16-year-old North Carolina boy found dead on a Milton lawn fell to his death from a jet that was preparing to land at Logan Airport, Norfolk District Attorney William Keating said tonight.

The body of 16-year-old Delvonte Tisdale of Charlotte was discovered Nov. 15 on the lawn of a posh Milton home at 9:30 p.m. That is about the time a neighbor heard a loud thud and college students driving by came upon his body, the DA said.

“He somehow hid himself in the wheel well of a commercial airliner,” said Keating. “It’s a major breach of airport security that seems to have occurred.”

Keating said he was making the announcement tonight — while forensic tests are still pending — to point out the “obvious safety ramifications.”

Keating said there was evidence of grease used in jets on Tisdale’s pants and there was hand prints in the wheel well of a jet that landed at Logan that night.

Two Nike sneakers and a red shirt, both belonging to Tisdale, were also found in Milton along the flight path of an inbound jet.

Keating said a neighbor heard “a loud crashing noise” at about 9 p.m. on Nov. 15 — the exact time a jet inbound for Charlotte was due to land. The DA also said an autopsy showed “trauma consistent with a fall from a significant height.”

Police said the teen had severe head trauma and his legs and arms were broken. Parts of his remains were found in two places on Brierbrook Street.

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1302285

READ MORE - DA: Teen likely fell to death from jet

Carl Crawford signs with the Boston Red Sox!

Carl Crawford signs with the Boston Red Sox!

Free agent outfielder Carl Crawford has reached a 7yr. $142 Million dollar deal with the Boston Red Sox to become the newest addition to the team roster.

Blackstonian Editor's Note:
Carl Crawford is actually the name of my Father... I look forward to Crawford Red Sox Jersey's... now if only the Celtics would get my namesake Jamal Crawford (different spelling)

READ MORE - Carl Crawford signs with the Boston Red Sox!

No bail for 3rd man charged in Mattapan bloodbath

No bail for 3rd man charged in Mattapan bloodbath
By Laurel J. Sweet  |   Thursday, December 9, 2010  |  http://www.bostonherald.com  |  Local Coverage

Booking photo of Edward Washington
Photo by Boston Police

A telemarketer has been fingered by witnesses as one of three men connected to the Sept 28 executions of a young woman, her 2-year-old son and two other men, as well as the life-threatening wounding of a third man, according to a prosecutor and a police report released today.

Edward “Eddie” Washington, 31, of Dorchester was ordered held without bail this morning after pleading not guilty to four counts of murder, armed assault with intent to murder, home invasion, armed robbery and unlawful weapons charges at Dorchester District Court.

“I don’t believe it. I don’t believe he did it,” Washington’s longtime attorney John Cunha said.

Washington was today accused by Edmond Zabin, chief of homicide prosecutions in Suffolk county, of supplying two firearms used in the Woolson Street executions over theft of drugs, cash, a safe and a television set. Police have told the Herald only one of the guns has been recovered — from the home of Washington’s cousin, Kimani Washington.

Kimani Washington, who Cunha suggested is at odds with Edward Washington, has also been charged in the tragedy, but only with unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of marijuana and unlawful possession of one of the victims’ vehicles.

Cunha questioned whether Kimani Washington is trying to set Edward up for a fall.

“If (prosecutors) are riding that horse, they’ve got the wrong horse,” he said. “This is not a police state. We have judges and juries who deal with the law. I understand the public is upset, but you can’t rush to judgment. He is 31. People grow up.”

Edward Washington and co-defendenat Dwayne Moore are both charged with the murders. Moore is also being held without bail while Kimani is being held on $500,000 cash bail. Witnesses have identified Edward Washington as driving his cousin and Moore to the crime scene, of being armed with a gun and being an active participant in the robbery, according to a police report released today.

For the third time, family and friends of the five victims — Eyanna Louise Flonory, 21, her 2-year-old son Amanihoteph Smith, her boyfriend Simba Martin, 21, and Levaughn Washum-Garrison, 22, and surviving victim Marcus Hurd — packed the courthouse to hear the still unfolding gruesome details of how they lost their loved ones. The strain showing on their faces. Today, however, there was a spontaneous applause following Edward Washington’s arraignment.

“Thank God, thank Jesus,” said Jackie Daughtry, Eyanna Flonory’s cousin.

Till Freeman, the uncle of Marcus Hurd, the only victim that survived the bloodbath, told reporters the arrest of a third suspect is bittersweet.

“We’ve got four people who will never see another Christmas, birthday or anything else. Justice will never be done. Every time there’s another arrest, they (the families) have to go back to square one. Once the healing starts, it’s torn away again, so it’s more pain and suffering. We’re hopeful this is the end.”

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1302010

READ MORE - No bail for 3rd man charged in Mattapan bloodbath

The velvet rope of prejudice?

The velvet rope of prejudice?

Race relations

By G. VALENTINO BALL  |  December 8, 2010

This week, the Attorney General's civil-rights division is investigating whether a Boston club engaged in discrimination when it shut down a private Ivy League party last month. This follows a request by City Councilor Ayanna Pressley for the city's licensing board to look into the incident, which has reopened long-simmering tensions between nightclub owners and black patrons.

The story broke along predictable lines. A spokesman for the club, Cure, says the shut-down came after bouncers spotted "bad guys" in line for the party for black Harvard and Yale alumni. But the party's organizer, Michael Beal, saw something more sinister.

"We were perceived as a threat because of our skin color," he said, in a widely-distributed email to attendees of the party. He added that in talking to the club's owner, "I do not believe him to be a racist; which only adds to my consternation around what this event says about race relations in our country."

To many, the incident appeared to be just another episode of ongoing racism in the nightclub scene. "It didn't shock me at all," says George "Chip" Greenidge, executive director of the National Black College Alliance. Far from being an exception, Greenidge says the incident at Cure "is a textbook example of how African Americans are treated when it comes to trying to enjoy life downtown."

There have long been allegations in Boston that nightclubs hold different standards for different audiences — but those allegations can be difficult to document. And promoters have little incentive to blow the whistle in a highly competitive business that's built on personal relationships.

Liz Miranda, head of DSTination Lifestyle Group, an event planning company, says that she has good relations with club owners after a decade on the Boston scene. Even so, she says, she's seen evidence of discrimination.

She explains: "A friend of mine, a white promoter, and I went to get a party at the same venue. I was charged a $4500 bar guarantee. He was charged $2000. And once I got the party, the venue even charged everyone that bought a drink an 18 percent [gratuity] on their cards, under the notion that they wanted to make sure the staff was taken care of. And this was a non-negotiable situation. It doesn't always apply to who is in the building. Many times there has to be a dress code. But they had a party the night before where all the gentlemen in the room wore jeans and sneakers. Why do we have to have slacks and shoes the next day?"

The Cure incident couldn't have come at a more critical time. In 2011, after years of behind-the-scenes work, two major African-American conventions will arrive in Boston. And what they see may determine whether Boston can continue to attract convention and tourism business when some still associate the city with the busing wars of the 1970s.

In an effort "to discuss how Boston can attract and retain the skilled labor workforce that will enable our city to compete in the 21st century," Citizens' Committee on Boston's Future, a fact-finding committee led by City Council President Michael Ross, was scheduled to meet around the issues of nightlife. These latest allegations are sure to weigh heavily on everyone's minds.

"People have worked for decades to advance this city," says Pressley, "and I won't have that progress compromised. Not only because we don't want to move back, but also because this is bad for Boston's brand. And there is an economic impact to that."



Read more: http://thephoenix.com/boston/news/112637-velvet-rope-of-prejudice/#ixzz17dhvNIU8

READ MORE - The velvet rope of prejudice?

Punishments don’t always fit the crimes

Punishments don’t always fit the crimes

DIFFICULT DECISION: Judge Carol S. Ball deliberates over the sentencing of Latoya Thomas-Dickson yesterday in Suffolk Superior Court.
By Peter Gelzinis  |   Wednesday, December 8, 2010  |  http://www.bostonherald.com  |  Columnists

Photo by Matthew West
Christmas did not come early for Latoya Thomas-Dickson yesterday.

A Suffolk judge did not place an electronic bracelet on this 21-year-old woman’s ankle and allow her to go home with her mother. Because this is not your typical redemption story.

Last week, a pair of stone killers, Antwan “Twizz” Carter and Latoya’s ex-boyfriend, Daniel Pinckney Jr., were found guilty of the brazen daylight murder of 18-year-old Cedirick Steele.

Latoya’s testimony played a crucial role in removing two thugs from the street. Sadly, her journey toward the truth took an abrupt detour into perjury, ending one trial with a hung jury.

The state says if you commit perjury in a murder case, you go to jail for the rest of your life.

In the streets where Latoya grew up, the punishment for telling the truth to the police is death and, in this case, the death of her mother as well.

Latoya’s court-appointed lawyer, Andrew Stockwell-Alpert, told Judge Carol S. Ball when he had his client plead guilty to perjury, he never sought a deal from Suffolk prosecutors in exchange for her truthful testimony. He said he knew Latoya would’ve been shredded by Carter and Pinckney’s defense lawyers if a deal had been in play. Then the two killers may well have skated back to their gang, the Mass Ave. Hornets.

The level of intimidation Latoya endured, her lawyer told the judge, was not much different than the fear you’d once find in the drug capital of Medellin. The homicide cops who stood with Latoya’s mother yesterday would agree.

They understood that Latoya was not going home on a bracelet, but they wanted no more than a year in MCI-Framingham.

Suffolk prosecutor Mark Lee recommended three to four years. The judge shaved off a year, sending Latoya away for up to three years.

One furious cop jawed with the prosecutor in the corridor. As for Latoya, who stood handcuffed in the arraignment dock, when she realized she wasn’t going home with a mother battling lupus, her look of disbelief morphed into fear, then anger.

“Are you serious!” she yelled as she was led off to jail.

Perjury was addressed. Nobody was happy.

That included Natasha Steele, Cedirick’s mother, who spent about 20 minutes huddling with Kalda Thomas, Latoya’s mom.

“I told her I wished them both well. I said no matter what happens, she still has her daughter. But I don’t have Cedirick. He’s gone.”

Rev. Eugene Rivers said the message sent by the court may be different from the one received in the street. “Bottom line,” sighed Rivers, “on the street level, the executive summary of this situation will be simple: ‘No good deed goes unpunished.’ ”

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/columnists/view.bg?articleid=1301640

READ MORE - Punishments don’t always fit the crimes

Always the comforter, now in pain

Always the comforter, now in pain

FAMILY TRAGEDY: The Rev. Bruce H. Wall looks at a photo of himself with his son, Bruce A., who is hospitalized after a car accident.
By Margery Eagan  |   Wednesday, December 8, 2010  |  http://www.bostonherald.com  |  Columnists

Photo by Angela Rowlings
The Rev. Bruce Wall has spent a lifetime mentoring youth, battling street violence and keeping vigil with mothers and fathers of murder victims in Dorchester, Roxbury and Mattapan.

Yesterday, he kept a vigil he had not expected. He was at the bedside of the eldest of his three children, hit early Sunday morning by a wrong-way driver on Interstate 95 in Connecticut.

“The last thing he remembers is headlights coming toward him,” Wall said yesterday about his namesake, Bruce A. Wall, nicknamed Aharon.

With his classmate at Gordon College, the 22-year-old Wall was driving south in an old model Oldsmobile when he was struck by the Audi of Ellen H. Noordzy, 21. Both Wall and Evan Williamson, also 21, of Brewster, were airlifted to hospitals with life-threatening injuries.

“Aharon has rods in his left leg, screws in his right arm. His pelvis is crushed. His bones are crushed. He has to learn to walk again,” Wall said. “But he’s alive.”

Williamson remains on a ventilator but has been able to speak, Wall said, so there is hope.

Bruce Wall, senior pastor of the Global Ministries Christian Church, is the stuff of local legend. He was one of three black ministers who founded Boston’s Ten Point Coalition, praised nationwide for reducing crime in the ’90s. For years, he provided a safe haven for teens at the Chez Vous roller rink. Now often at odds with both a fractured black clergy and Mayor Thomas M. Menino, Wall, 61 — even with a third stent in his heart — keeps up his outreach, his preaching, his radio show and his patrols of Codman Square, where he’s known as “the mayor.”

But the typically fired-up Wall was subdued yesterday speaking of his injured son, a college lacrosse player.

“He had tears in his eyes because it’s coming to him that he’ll never compete again,” Wall said. “You know, I carried Aharon in my left arm and my Bible in my right arm when I’d be preaching. I’d take him to Chez Vous. When some kids drove up once looking for trouble, I told them, ‘I don’t know what you’re planning. But my little son’s with me.’ ’’

Yet Wall said he’s taken solace in “people coming together over this.”

“Young men on the fence about how to live their lives have recommitted to Christ. I’m receiving calls from people I thought I was on the outs with. They’re expressing love to me. Something’s happening in the city, in the black community. I ask myself what will bring us together to stop the violence. Maybe this,” Wall said, “can be a catalyst.”

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/columnists/view.bg?articleid=1301622

READ MORE - Always the comforter, now in pain

Boston Globe/NY Times vs. The Blackstonian!!!

ALERT BLACKSTONIAN FAMILY!!!

I, Jamarhl Crawford, have been served with a cease and desist letter from the NY Times, owner of the Boston Globe, charging "infringement" in the reposting of Globe articles on this site.

WHAT I PLAN ON DOING...
The NY Times has given 3 days to comply with their request
TONIGHT I will begin removing all Globe articles from the Blackstonian so you will notice that many articles will be gone. Although I have been careful to include all credits (writer, photographer, publisher, source) and many links on this site to the Boston Globe and its Your Town sites, I will remove all Globe material under the logic that I was providing a service to the Boston Globe and the Boston Globe was providing no service to the Blackstonian. Many Black, Latino and Cape Verdean people were not readers and would not read the Globe if it were not for the Blackstonian postings of pertinent articles. There may be a way to still post Globe articles but it will take further effort on my part and that is a decision I will have to make in terms of its worth.

After speaking with the legal department of the NY Times, I asked how they were alerted to the Blackstonian and was told that they were informed by a Boston Globe Editor. It is my belief that due to the nature of the mission of the Blackstonian to inform and provide resources to people of color in Boston and beyond, it made the Blackstonian a target. Whoever that Editor is, please know that you have not stopped or even hindered the Blackstonian, but you have almost certainly guaranteed that the Globe will not be given any further free promotion or readership of people of color, particularly in the 16-45 yr. old demographic that the Blackstonian specializes in. It has also made me rethink my relationships with Globe writers and Editorial staff in terms of providing insight on issues and situations, providing quotes, giving information for developing stories and inviting the Globe to cover various initiatives.

Stay Tuned... I will keep you posted as to further developments and my decisions regarding the relationship between the Boston Globe, myself and the Blackstonian.

Any comments 617-297-7721
If that Globe Editor would like to have a discussion on his/her logic I would love to hear that.

READ MORE - Boston Globe/NY Times vs. The Blackstonian!!!

Somerville man nabbed in T attack on teens

Somerville man nabbed in T attack on teens

Joseph Balistreri
By O’Ryan Johnson  |   Sunday, December 5, 2010  |  http://www.bostonherald.com  |  Local Coverage

Transit Police arrested a 36-year-old Somerville man yesterday who they say attacked two teens on an Orange Line train, kicking them and unleashing a tirade of racial slurs, police said.

Joseph Balistreri is charged with two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, two counts of assault and battery, threats to commit a crime, and annoying and accosting behavior for the Nov. 19 run-in.

The victims, 18 and 19 years old, told police they were on the train at Sullivan Square headed to Ruggles Station when a heavyset man in a black leather jacket started yelling slurs at them, according to the police report.

The man then allegedly approached and started kicking the girls, hitting one in the lip and another in the chest. The teens told police he spit on them before he fled the train about 11 p.m.

Cops caught the suspect on camera and released his picture Friday, leading to tips that resulted in the arrest yesterday, police said. Balistreri is being held on $7,500 bail and is expected to be arraigned tomorrow.

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1300911

READ MORE - Somerville man nabbed in T attack on teens