Armed with new information, investigators are once again seeking the public’s assistance in locating a vehicle believed to be involved in a fatal hit-and-run crash that took place on Route 95 in Attleboro on September 16.

Massachusetts State Police responded to multiple 911 calls around 9:40 pm regarding a pedestrian who was struck by a vehicle on Route 95 near Exit 1 in Attleboro. When first responders arrived on scene, they located the victim, 50-year-old John Gauthier, in one of the travel lanes of the highway. The victim, who was homeless, was pronounced deceased while in an ambulance just prior to 10 p.m.

After conducting numerous witness interviews and investigating the incident further, police believe that a woman who was driving a large white SUV struck the victim while the victim was attempting to cross the highway. The driver of the SUV is believed to have stopped on the left side of the highway, briefly exited her vehicle and then drove off. The driver was described as being about five feet, four inches tall and weighs approximately 160 pounds. The vehicle may have exited Route 95 into Pawtucket, RI around 10 pm on September 16.

Today, investigators developed new information and believe the large white SUV is either a white Chevy Suburban or a white Cadillac Escalade ESV (extended version), with damage to the passenger side headlight. A surveillance photo of the actual vehicle involved is attached to this email.

If anyone was in the area of the incident, has knowledge about this case or has seen a damaged white SUV, they are urged to contact State Police Detectives assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office at 508-993-2016.

A 55-year-old Seekonk man was sentenced to serve three years in state prison yesterday after pleading guilty to charges connected to the operation of a prostitution ring out of his home and distributing cocaine, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced.

Anthony Vitali pleaded guilty in Fall River Superior Court to indictments charging him with possession with intent to distribute cocaine-subsequent offense, maintaining a house of prostitution, deriving support from prostitution, conspiracy, procuring a person for prostitution and detaining/drugging a person for prostitution.

The defendant was arrested in October of 2016 after an extensive investigation was conducted by Seekonk Police. During the execution of a search warrant at the home, police found indicia of prostitution and cocaine distribution. Some of the women being used by the defendant told police the defendant would give them cocaine and keep them addicted to it. He would then recruit them into prostitution as a means to pay off their drug debts to him, and in some cases, the defendant even kept the women’s drivers licenses and credit cards to make sure they worked off their debts to him.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Thompson and the three-year state prison sentence was imposed by Judge Sharon Donatelle.

“The defendant took advantage of the victims’ drug addiction to sell them for sex. By engaging in this conduct, the defendant dehumanized the victims and needs to be held accountable,” District Attorney Quinn said.

A 30-year-old New Bedford man was sentenced to consecutive maximum jail terms yesterday after being convicted in New Bedford District Court of sexually molesting a pre-teen girl, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced.

A jury of his peers convicted Aaron Costa after a two-day trial of three counts of indecent assault and battery on a person under 14 years old. The defendant was sentenced by Judge Douglas Darnbrough to consecutive two-and-a-half year jail sentences in addition to five years of supervised probation. The two-and-a-half year jail terms are the maximum sentences allowed in the district court.

The defendant, who was 26 at the time of the incidents in 2015, was a friend of the 11 year-old victim’s family. He stood accused of molesting her on three separate occasions in New Bedford and Dartmouth. During the first incident, the defendant sat the victim on his lap during a baby shower in New Bedford and rubbed her vagina. During the second incident, which occurred at a storage facility in New Bedford, the defendant cupped the victim’s buttocks in a hallway. And during the third incident, which occurred in Dartmouth, the defendant had the victim sit on his lap in a car, took photos of her and once again rubbed her vagina.

The victim disclosed the molestation to her mother after the mother had a discussion with her about “stranger danger” and inappropriate touching.

Upon his release from the house of corrections, the defendant must register as a sex offender, must stay away from the victim and her family and must complete sex offender counseling.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christine Letsche.

“I am pleased with jury verdict. The defendant manipulated his position as a family friend to indecently assault the young victim on three occasions. I commend the victim and her mother for their perseverance in this case, which involved multiple court hearings and continuances over the last three years. The sentence holds the defendant accountable for this serious criminal conduct,” District Attorney Quinn said.

A 23-year-old Taunton man was convicted this afternoon in Fall River Superior Court of the Second Degree Murder of Gordon Weekes, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced.

The jury returned its verdict shortly after 2 pm today after a week-long trial, which concluded yesterday. The defendant, Miguel Marrero, was convicted of Second Degree Murder, Carrying an Illegal Firearm and Unlawful Possession of Ammunition.

Superior Court Judge Sharon Donatelle has scheduled sentencing for Friday, October 11th.

Marrero was convicted of firing six shots at the victim during an altercation in front of the Fifth Avenue Apartments on the morning of March 24, 2016. The victim, a Taunton resident, was struck once in the chest, once in the buttocks and twice in the back as he tried to run away. Friends of the victim rushed him to Morton Hospital in a private vehicle, where he was pronounced deceased upon arrival.

The defendant was arrested on the day after the slaying in Roxbury.

The case was prosecuted by First Assistant District Attorney Karen O’Sullivan and Assistant District Attorney Jeanne Veenstra.

“I am very pleased the jury held the defendant accountable for this brazen shooting in broad daylight,” District Attorney Quinn said.

On Tuesday, Oct. 1, members of a multi-agency gang task force arrested two brothers for narcotics trafficking in Lawrence after task force members recovered a large quantity of crystal methamphetamine and an additional amount of fentanyl. The arrests were made by Massachusetts State Police Gang Unit Troopers, FBI Agents, and a federal Homeland Security Investigations Agent who serve on the North Shore Gang Task Force (NSGTF).

Shortly after 1 p.m., an NSGTF member doing anti-gang and narcotics enforcement observed a suspected drug transaction being conducted inside a minivan being operated on Nesmith Street and surrounding streets in the city’s Tower Hill neighborhood. Other task force members responded to the area to assist.

A task force officer observed the suspected customer, later identified as WAGNER VITTINI-GONZALEZ, 27, of Lawrence, exit the van on Hobson Street and walk to Nesmith Street while the van drove away. When approached, VITTINI-GONZALEZ ran and was apprehended in a backyard by Agents and Troopers after a brief foot chase. During the pursuit, the suspect threw down a large bag he was carrying and shed his hooded jacket in an attempt to evade capture.

Troopers and Agents located he discarded bag, which contained a cardboard box. Inside the box was a large protein powder bottle, and inside the bottle were two large clear plastic bags containing a white crystalized powder that was field tested and determined to be approximately 702 grams of methamphetamine. Also located in the bottle was a smaller clear plastic bag containing a powder that was field tested and determined to be approximately 27 grams of fentanyl.

Meanwhile, the description of the minivan in which the deal was conducted, a rented black Dodge Caravan with Florida registration, was broadcast to other NSGTF units in the area. A task force member located the Caravan on Lowell Street in Methuen, near an on-ramp to Route 93 southbound, and conducted a stop. A Trooper and Agent recovered $1,000 in United States currency from inside the minivan, whose operator was identified as GERAL VITTINI-LORENZO, 28, of Boston, the brother of WAGNER VITTINI-GONZALEZ.

Following subsequent investigation, including interviews of both men, Troopers and Agents charged each of them with trafficking a Class B narcotic (methamphetamine) and trafficking a Class A narcotic (fentanyl). Task force members transported the men to the Lawrence Police station, where the arrests were processed and the evidence documented.

The included photo depicts the seized methamphetamine (left and right bags) and fentanyl (center).

“I wanted to write in to report that I received 3 scam calls today. They left two voicemail messages saying my SS# had been compromised in the state of Texas and Nevada as well as other states. They did not state who they were and the voicemail was automated.

The third call I answered. I was asked for my phone number and refused, saying I received a call from them and wanted to know why before I give any information.

I was then asked for my full name and again I refused…then they abruptly hung up on me. I called the number back, but they didn’t answer.

I spoke to police about it and was told it was a common thing and I did the right thing by not giving any information to the caller. The officer I spoke with said that any requests from the social security administration would be mailed and they would never call.

Just a heads up!”-Rachel Vieira.

Just before 9 p.m. yesterday Trooper Anthony Lavigne, assigned to State Police-Shelburne Falls, was patrolling Route 91 in Greenfield when he observed a white Dodge Journey with a defective license plate light cross over the white fog line as it passed Exit 26. Trooper Lavigne activated his blue lights and the vehicle began to pull over.

After the vehicle came to a full stop Trooper Lavigne approached the driver’s side window and identified the operator as JESSICA SPEED, 28, of St Johnsbury, Vt. He also noticed a small child in a car seat in the rear of the vehicle. While speaking to SPEED Trooper Lavigne observed a clear plastic bag on the center console containing a substance he believed to be crack cocaine. Trooper Lavigne asked SPEED what was in the bag, she immediately picked it up and attempted to dispose of it out of the window of the vehicle. Trooper Lavigne attempted to take control of SPEED as she was flailing her arms around, at one point striking him in the face. SPEED tossed the bag away from the car at which point Trooper Lavigne was able to gain control of both of her arms.

Trooper Joshua Lemay arrived on scene to assist and SPEED was removed from the vehicle then handcuffed. Trooper George D’Amelio also arrived and assisted in conducting a search of the vehicle. In addition to the 19 grams of crack cocaine Troopers located approximately 800 bags containing a combined total of approximately 16 grams of heroin as well as a digital scale and $500 cash.

SPEED was placed under arrest and transported to the Shelburne Falls barracks where she was booked and bail was set in the amount of $5,000. The child was also transported to the barracks where SPEED’s mother met troopers to take custody. The Vermont Department of Children and Families was also contacted and made aware of the situation. SPEED was transported to the Franklin County House of Correction where she remained until her arraignment today at Greenfield District Court on the following charges.

• Trafficking in Heroin;
• Trafficking in Cocaine;
• Conspiracy to Violate Drug Laws;
• Resisting Arrest;
• Assault and Battery on a Police Officer;
• Marked Lanes Violation; and
• Equipment Violation.

The Massachusetts State Police Gang Unit yesterday arrested a known firearm offender linked to violent activity between feuding groups in Brockton, Taunton, and Boston, ultimately recovering two firearms and illegal narcotics. The arrest was the result of a coordinated effort between MSP, Brockton Police, and the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office through the Project Safe Neighborhood program.

Troopers from the MSP Gang Unit were notified of the issuance of a warrant for probation violations for SAMAEL MATHIEU, 23, of Taunton. After several hours of surveillance at a specific location in Taunton, Gang Unit Troopers yesterday afternoon observed MATHIEU depart in a vehicle driven by another person. When the vehicle stopped at a gas station, Troopers approached MATHIEU, placed him under arrest, and located a large amount of narcotics and cash on his person.

Troopers then executed a search warrant at MATHIEU’s apartment and located and seized two loaded 9mm handguns, three magazines (two of them high-capacity); ammunition; approximately 32 grams of suspected fentanyl; 40 oxycodone pills; 26 suboxone strips; 65 grams of marijuana; nearly $2,100; and drug paraphernalia such as scales, cutting agents, and packaging materials.

MATHIEU was booked at State Police-Middlebrough on the following charges:

• Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, subsequent offense (2 counts);
• Unlawful Possession of a Feeding Device (2 counts);
• Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number;
• Unlawful Possession of Ammunition;
• Trafficking in Fentanyl (Class A Narcotic);
• Possession of Oxycodone (Class B Narcotic) with Intent to Distribute;
• Possession of Suboxone (Class B Narcotic) with Intent to Distribute:
• Possession of Marijuana (Class D Narcotic) with Intent to Distribute; and
• Warrant (firearm, ammunition, receiving stolen property, resisting arrest offenses).

MATHIEU was held without bail on the warrant and was expected to be in court today.

Massachusetts State Police Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin today announced the creation of a statewide Unresolved Case Unit to investigate unsolved homicides and other violent crimes to seek justice for victims and their families.

The new unit will be comprised of five Troopers who are experienced homicide investigators who will work in conjunction with the state’s district attorneys, who maintain jurisdiction over homicides in their counties, to identify open cases in which a renewed investigative focus may prove helpful. The Troopers will carry individual caseloads but will also work together frequently as a team, as warranted, to pursue leads and further investigations under the direction of the district attorney of jurisdiction.

“There are many cases over the years that, even in light of the outstanding and tireless efforts of police and prosecutors, have not been resolved for any of a variety of reasons. I hope that by creating a dedicated unit to focus the investigative skills of these experienced troopers, backed by forensic and other resources of the Massachusetts State Police, we will build upon the excellent work already done on these cases and, in conjunction with the district attorneys, achieve the breakthroughs we need to secure justice for these victims and their families,” Colonel Gilpin said.

Creation of an Unresolved Case Unit has been a priority for Colonel Gilpin, who formerly served for many years in the Department’s Crime Scene Services Section documenting and preserving evidence critical to homicide and other major crime prosecutions. Today’s announcement follows numerous discussions Colonel Gilpin initiated with the state’s district attorneys and victim advocacy professionals to explain her goals for the new unit and build a foundation for collaborative efforts.

“After a homicide, surviving family members spend a lifetime seeking to understand their new existence without their loved one,” said Liam Lowney, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance. “Families who’s cases remain unsolved struggle with additional questions about what happened to their loved one and who was responsible. While these families lives will remain forever changed, the dedicated State Police detectives assigned to this unit will allow them an opportunity to learn answers to these unsettling questions.”

The Massachusetts District Attorney’s Association, through its president, Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz, also has expressed support for the new unit.

“This initiative was made possible through the ongoing support of the Baker-Polito Administration and the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security in our efforts to bring offenders to justice and support victims and survivors,” Colonel Gilpin said.

The Department posted openings for the sworn-members today and will interview interested applicants later this month. The unit’s members will have investigative experience and professional relationships in different regions of the state to further the goal of a true statewide unit and ensure smooth integration with various prosecutorial offices. The Unresolved Case Unit will be part of the Department’s Division of Investigative Services.

State legislators held a joint hearing today in Boston on bringing safe injection sites to Massachusetts. House Bill 1712 (H1712), refers to the sites as “harm reduction sites” with the goal of preventing fatal overdoses.

Per the bill, “A person with a substance use disorder may consume pre-obtained controlled substances and medical assistance by health care professionals is made immediately available to such a person as necessary to prevent fatal overdose. Harm reduction sites shall make counseling, referrals to treatment and other appropriate services available for persons utilizing such sites to access on a voluntary basis. The department shall require that any site authorized under this pilot program first obtain approval from the board of health in the city or town in which the pilot site is located.”

In 2018, U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling, the top federal prosecutor in Massachusetts, has already gone on record to oppose safe injection sites and has stated he would prosecute the employees and users:

“Supervised injection facilities” would violate federal laws prohibiting the use of illicit drugs and the operation of sites where illicit drugs are used and distributed. Employees and users of such a site would be exposed to federal criminal charges regardless of any state law or study.

The opioid epidemic requires that we remain laser-focused on prevention, treatment, and enforcement – not the normalization of intravenous use of heroin and fentanyl.”

Full text of the House bill:

H1712