WORCESTER— The lawyer for a woman ordered by
state police to remove a video from her Web site wants a federal
judge to
impose sanctions against Attorney
General Thomas F. Reilly and state police Superintendent Thomas G.
Robbins for filing a misleading memo with the court.
Houston lawyer Daniel J. Shea, who represents Mary T. Jean of
Leominster, said the state was trying to mislead the judge in the
case into thinking that his client did not have legitimate reasons
to believe state police violated her First Amendment rights when
they demanded that she remove a video of the arrest of a Northboro
man from her “conte2006” Web site.
April 2, 2006
Hearing appeal against Officer James Gough, in Marlborough District court, Friday April 7, 2006.
Jared Pechonis of Northborough has filed with Marlborough District court to have his denied application for criminal complaint appealed to a Justice of the court. A hearing will occur on Friday April 7, at 10am.
Mr. Pechonis’s criminal complaint application against Officer Gough, for threats to commit a crime was denied by Paul F. Malloy, clerk of Marlborough district court without a hearing.
April 3, 2006
Will protection be extended to those who sexually abuse children?Joseph Early Jr. will appear this morning in Dudley District Court to defend Father Joseph A. Coonan on charges that he brutalized his 77-year-old mother and attacked his sister when she sought help of police.
Mr. Early also represented Father Coonan when he was removed from St. John's parish in Worcester after numerous allegations were made that he was sexually inappropriate with boys in Oxford some years ago.
April 3, 2006
New Link Launched: State Police/Brian O'Hare
Sgt. Brian W. O'Hare, was charged on February 28 with coercion and enticement of a minor under 18 years old to engage in prostitution or sexual activity. O'Hare a 19-year veteran is assigned to the Troop C Barracks in Holden.
The complete 33 page affidavit prepared by FBI special agent Jeremy Morrisey, complete with email interaction of Sgt Brian O'Hare is available on link.
April 5, 2006
Family says priest not abusive
DUDLEY— After the Rev. Joseph A. Coonan appeared at Dudley District Court for a pretrial conference yesterday, his sister told reporters that she and her mother want to drop the domestic assault and battery charges against him “because a whole lot was made out of nothing.” .....
Rev. Coonan, represented in court by his lawyer, Joseph D. Early Jr., declined to comment.
April 6, 2006
Arrest Video wanted by ADA Harold Johnson, request refused by judge.
WORCESTER--In a stunning development yesterday in Worcester Central District Court, one of District Attorney John J. Conte's assistants told the court that it wanted Paul Pechonis of Northboro to turn over a the original video tape of what transpired at his home when police came to arrest him because of an alleged threat he made against a judge.
The video, which appears on this web site and has been viewed by thousands of people from throughout the United States and several foreign countries, shows Massachusetts State Police officers assigned to Mr. Conte entering Mr. Pechonis home and searching the premises without a search warrant.
April 6, 2006
IRS states
tax lien on Early premature and not needed
$54,000 payment plan worked out
WORCESTER— The Internal Revenue Service in 2004 notified would-be district attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. of its intent to file liens on his property to satisfy back tax bills from 2000, 2001 and 2002, reportedly totaling about $54,000.........
Mr. Early is
unopposed for the $108,000-a-year district attorney job, a post that
involves managing a $7 million-plus budget and more than 60
employees.
He said he realizes that by serving as district attorney he would be
giving up the ability to earn more in the private sector.
April 8, 2006
State police lose in ruling on order
Judge backs Northboro woman
WORCESTER— A federal judge yesterday extended a restraining order against the Massachusetts State Police, prohibiting them from interfering with a Web site showing state police arresting a Northboro man in his home...........
Judge Saylor yesterday concluded that Ms. Jean had nothing to do with creating the recording, that she obtained it legally, and that its recording of police performance makes it a subject of public concern.
April 8, 2006
Judge rules video of Pechonis arrest can stay on Web site
A federal judge yesterday ruled that a Leominster woman can keep a controversial video on her Web site of state police arresting a Northborough man at his home as they are unknowingly recorded by a "baby cam."
April 10, 2006
John Conte’s Appeal Chief Attempts to Embarrass Mrs. Jean.
The lawyer for the state Attorney General has been attempting to deny that District Attorney John J. Conte had no role in an attempt to force Mary T. Jean to remove the audio portion of a video on her web site that apparently shows improper conduct by the Massachusetts State Police assigned to Mr. Conte’s office.............
Along with the disc Mrs. Jean noticed a small note-sized white piece of paper that had a yellow sticky note on top. The sticky note contained the name of Chris Hodgens, who heads Mr. Conte’s appeals division, along with his telephone number. Below that on a larger white piece of paper the hand-written words “about two years ago” could be read.
April 11, 2006
Recent criticism of DA Conte is a disgrace.
I have been employed in the office of District Attorney John J. Conte for more than 25 years. In light of the Telegram & Gazette’s most recent editorial criticism of Mr. Conte (Telegram & Gazette, March 17), I feel compelled to write.
To consistently attack a dedicated man who has devoted nearly 50 years of his life to public service is a disgrace.
April 12, 2006
State police
official retires to job at BU
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
BOSTON— Col. Thomas Robbins, the head of the Massachusetts State
Police, has decided to retire and will become police chief at Boston
University, the school announced yesterday.
Robbins will oversee a department of 42 officers at the
fourth-largest private university in the country. He will also
follow a string of top state police officials who have migrated to
high-paying jobs in local higher education, including former Col.
John DiFava, now police chief at the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology.
The police departments at Harvard, Boston College, Holy Cross and
Curry College are also headed by former top-ranking officials at the
state police.
April 12, 2006
Sex abuse victims’ lawyer runs in DA race
Houston lawyer
Daniel J. Shea, a central figure in the local church sexual abuse
scandal and a vocal critic of District Attorney John J. Conte, is
moving to Worcester County to run for Mr. Conte’s seat.
Mr. Shea has taken out nomination papers and will run in a
Democratic primary against the only announced candidate in the race,
Joseph D. Early Jr.
April 22, 2006
Appeals Court Upholds Ruling on Mondo Piccolo Day Care Worker. Frank Garcia Remains Free.The Massachusetts Appeals court has upheld the overturning of the conviction of Frank Garcia of Fitchburg. Mr. Garcia has been the subject of accusations from parents of several young children, all which center on foot rubbing that turned into charges of inappropriate sexual touching.
Mr. Garcia, who was an employee of the Piccolo Mondo Daycare Center, has always maintained his innocence.
Mrs. Maria Cupo, center director, was never criminally charged and the state Department of Social Services could not support the allegations in its first investigation.
A Leominster police detective, Robert Gallant, on July 31, 2002 then filed another complaint, a questionable 51A child abuse charge against Mrs. Cupo, which was not recorded in the F-net computer system for the Department of Social Services until August 12, 2002. This child abuse filing was verified by a Leominster police incident report.
April 26, 2006
Transcript from US District court video case released.
In a fifteen page statement Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV explained his decision on his issuing of the preliminary injection to allow posting of the video recording of the Massachusetts State police arresting Paul Pechonis at his Northboro home on Sept. 29 and apparently conducting a search for several minutes afterward.
Judge Saylor further disagreed with the presentation of Assistant Attorney General Ronald F. Kehoe, that the cease and desist letter was more than a friendly reminder. Judge Saylor stated "an objectively reasonable person receiving that letter would find his or hers first amendment right to have been chilled:"
A May 5th hearing date is scheduled for scheduling conference in US District Court, Worcester.
April 28, 2006
Family of 4 removed from van
Southbridge police say they tried to negotiate on warrant
SOUTHBRIDGE—
Police say they were forced yesterday to take action against a
family that had been living in a van parked on Elm Street for
months.
The family was forcibly removed from the gray Ford Econoline about
10 a.m. by police after the mother and father refused to cooperate
with police in settling a court matter.
Bright-colored posters have been taped to the outside of the van for
months, some complaining that the family’s constitutional rights are
being violated. Another sign asks, “If you can’t live in a camper
bus in America, why live in America?”
A portion of Elm Street was closed while police worked to remove the family,......
Local
case cited in D.C. court
Video linked to free speech issue
A federal judge’s ruling allowing a Leominster woman to post a video of a state police arrest on her Web site has reverberated to the nation’s capital, where a major First Amendment case is playing out in the U.S. Court of Appeals.
May 3, 2006
I apologize for my lack of common sense, Worcester County deserves better than Shea.
Did I know that Dan Shea hurt his clergy abuse clients, causing emotional pain to those who had associated with him, yes. Did I know he lost most of his clergy abuse clients and had been removed as legal representative in the suit against Pope Benedict, yes. Did I know many had serious doubts as to his mental stability, yes. Did I know Shea doesn’t care who he hurts if it gained him notoriety, yes. Did I know Shea has been investigated for inappropriate sexual behavior, yes. Did I know Shea recently had been removed in a civil case in Texas, where the lawyer accused Shea of having a young man call the shots in that legal case to which the clients, an elderly couple dismissed Shea, yes.
Did Shea use my home for committee meetings, yes. Did Shea use my association with Ms Christian Erban to gain a treasurer, and address for his headquarters, yes. Did I volunteer fifteen hour days, eight days straight to gain 1,300 nomination signatures, yes. Did I tap all the associates with the Voice and Conte site to help Shea get on the ballot, yes.
To the residents of Worcester County you have my sincerest apology. I was so wrong.
(please use link to read complete article)
May 4, 2006
Letter stating resignation of treasurer of Shea Committee received effective May 2, 2006. Enclosed with letter was original filing removing chairperson and treasurer.
Shea web site continues to project Fitchburg, Main Street address and phone number that permission has been denied to use.
A complaint has been filed with domain registrar and Office of Campaign and Political finance.
May 5, 2006
Diane Williamson calls Mary Jean on cell phone, explains "she just can not ignore the situation between Dan Shea and herself ".
Thursday, around 5pm Mary Jean who was enjoying the return of her friend from Mississippi sitting outside on a deck, unexpectedly receives a call from Ms Diane Williamson on her cell phone. Ms Williamsons, pleasantly begins she could not ignore the situation between Dan Shea and herself. Ms Jean asked to speak to her off the record. Ms Jean replied off the record "I am scare of him". Ms Williamson said you don't understand I cannot be off the record. I have spoken with Dan Shea. Odd that Ms Williamson would have Ms Jean's cell phone number. Ms Jean having a hard time to hear Ms Williamson said then if she could not be off the record she had nothing to say.
How ironic Ms Williamson who just wrote a story about Edward Gagne of Spencer on Sunday, April 9, 2006 would suddenly show concern for this dispute between Mr. Shea and Ms Jean.
May 5, 2006
US District Judge Saylor continues video case.
Assistant Attorney General Ronald F. Kehoe tells US District court finial decision to appeal Video case has not been made. One additional state official needs to sign off on the appeal.
Next court date scheduled for June 8, 2006, at which time appeal by Attorney General is due.
May 6, 2006
To set the the record straight:
Richard Nangle, Telegram reporter was not at the hearing in US District Court. He arrived late and met Mrs. Jean and Ron Madnick in the clerks office.
Mr. Shea has been using his legal representation in the US District Court video case as leverage for actions related to his political campaign since his announcement.
Mr. Shea has a long history withdrawals when his actions are questioned.
Mrs. Jean never objected to the removal of Mr. Shea as counsel in that hearing. When asked by Judge Saylor how she felt about Mr. Shea's petition to withdraw, Mrs. Jean replied "please let him withdraw please"
The Telegram has been contacted for a correction.
Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV today granted release of counsel.
May 6, 2006
Jail inmate dies after restraint
DA launches investigation
WEST BOYLSTON— A 35-year-old inmate at the
Worcester County House of Correction died of cardiac arrest after
being restrained by correction officers, according to jail
officials.
The death is being investigated by Worcester District Attorney John
J. Conte’s office, according to a spokesman for the state medical
examiner’s office.
Johnny Walker, of 2 Holland Road, Worcester, who was serving a
15-month sentence for assault and battery, died Tuesday at UMass
Memorial Medical Center — University Campus in Worcester, according
to Deputy Superintendent Jeffrey Turco.
May 7, 2006
Web threat case ends with charges dismissed in a year.
Worcester Telegram fails to cover case.
A scheduled Monday, May 1st hearing on motion to dismiss misdemeanor charges, threat to commit a crime, murder in the case of Northborough's Paul Pechonis, ends as continued without a finding, charges to be dismissed in one year.
The threat to commit a crime, murder charges ended in a mutual agreement of one years unsupervised probation with an agreement to stay away from Judge Paul S. Waickowski, Judge Vito A. Virzi and their families.
A twenty-one dollar per month administrative fee was assigned by Judge William Hadley.
Mr. Pechoins said “ I only agreed to the conditions to alleviate the terrible emotional and financial strain on my family”.
Mr. Pechonis does not consider this a good deal, and feels he has not broken any laws. Mr. Pechonis feels he has been victimized.
May 8, 2006
The American Civil Liberties Union has agreed to represent Mary T. Jean in the current US District Court case, Jean v Mass State Police, case number 06-40031-FDS.
Notice of representation to be filed in US District Court.
Friday, May 5th, Massachusetts Assistant Attorney General Ronald F. Kehoe filed Notice of Appeal with US District Court, Worcester.
Ron Madnick (508-752-5363) of the Worcester ACLU office can be contacted for further details.
May 10 2006
Family
seeks inquest report
Fitchburg man shot by trooper
FITCHBURG— The lawyer for the family of Preston D. Johnson, the man fatally shot by a state trooper after a police pursuit Nov. 3, has filed a motion in Worcester Superior Court seeking the release of a judge’s findings from an inquest....
“We should hear from the DA. What’s he doing?” Mr. Hrones asked yesterday from his office in Boston. “Fish or cut bait. The family has a right to know all the facts.”
“It is unconceivable that the district attorney would commence criminal proceedings against a state trooper where the judge who heard from the witness and examined all the evidence recommended no prosecution,” the petition reads. ........
May 13, 2006
Warren soldier weighs risk of jail, call to duty
EAST BROOKFIELD—
A Warren soldier commended for heroism in Iraq is wanted for
violating probation after he returned to his military unit.
“The military told me to come back right away. What was I going to
do?” Cpl. Kenneth G. Tatro said in a telephone interview Thursday
from Washington state, where he is preparing to be sent to Iraq.
May 14, 2006
Intervention back in Video case sought by former legal counsel.
New complaint field with Chief Disciplinary Counsel, State Bar of Texas in regards to conduct concerning Shea.
On May 5th, within hours of withdrawing, Attorney Daniel Shea filed a motion in US Federal Court for intervention, to be allowed back into Jean v Massachusetts State Police video case.
The motion states, "the interest may be impaired by an unfavorable disposition of the case, i.e. that an unfavorable appellate result could reverse that fee interest already accrued as a result for the applicant’s success on behalf of the plaintiffs at the injunctive stages of litigation".
This filing which contains a certificate of service describes this motion as being delivered via US First class mail to pro se party. The motion was received on Friday, May 12th.
The motion to intervene filed by of Attorney Shea will be opposed in US Federal Court.
May 17, 2006
Child rape case from 1976 dismissed
A 30-year-old child rape case against a Lafayette woman was dismissed Tuesday when the victim, now an adult, decided not to go forward.
Karen Foley, an administrator in the office of John Conte, district attorney for the Middle District of Massachusetts, said Benzer "did not come to court today, and she had expressed that she did not want to proceed."
On Tuesday, she attributed her decision to a range of factors, including a sense that the district attorney's office did not truly support her ......
May 18, 2006
Ex-campus police chief facing sex assault charges appears in court
GARDNER -- The former Mount Wachusett Community College campus police chief accused of indecent assault and battery against another college employee appeared at Gardner District Court Wednesday for a brief hearing.
Assistant District Attorney Anthony J. Marotta said there may also be a motion to dismiss in the case, but did not provide further specifics during the hearing.
Marotta said at the hearing that Mackie may summons a tape of an interview involving himself.
May 21, 2006
Defense Attorney calls charges by Conte “an outrageous and bizarre misuse of power”
Within the week that was, District Attorney John Conte initiated criminal charges via a seldom enforced statue, voter fraud law written in the 1800’s, Chapter 56, section 26 to charge two well known Worcester democrats Paul M. Pezzella and Paul J. Giorgio.
ADA Richard Greco attempted to have former State police dispatcher, and reserve police officer John P. Stevens held in custody for charges of credit card fraud, who as of yet has not been changed with that crime.
While Robert Mackie former Mount Wachussett Community college, security director, reserved Barre Police officer and current employee of security at Assumption College in Worcester may file a motion to dismiss criminal charges of indecent assault and battery according to Worcester ADA Anthony Marotta.
May 28, 2006
Chief Button current status under scrutiny.
By Tim McGuigan, Conte2006.com
A recent phone call from a concerned Massachusetts Trooper who is aware of my questionable departure from Sturbridge contacted me to advise of
Chief Button’s current status. Upon hearing the reason why he left I could not help but feel delight.Wanting to confirm what I had been told I contacted my former dispatcher at the Sturbridge police department. Upon hearing my name, her tone immediately changes as if knowing the reason for my call. Although I am privy to the rumors currently circulating through the ranks, I wanted to know, first hand the real reason for his untimely departure. I was given the scripted answer and advised that he was on personal leave.
May 31, 2006
Sturbridge police chief, on
leave, resigns
STURBRIDGE— The Board of Selectmen last night accepted a letter
of resignation from Police Chief Thomas R. Button, 25 days after he
was placed on administrative leave for a personal family issue.
Selectmen met in executive session just under two hours to “hear a
complaint brought against a public employee.”