“The former Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Lawrence, Mass., has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for transporting and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Jhovanny Martes-Rosario, 48, was indicted on one count of possession of child pornography and one count of transportation of child pornography. Martes-Rosario was previously arrested by state authorities on related charges and released on conditions. Martes-Rosario was released on conditions following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston today before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge M. Page Kelley.

The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of transportation of child pornography provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in prison, a mandatory minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and Essex County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan C. Cleary of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.”-Massachusetts Department of Justice.

“Mayor Jon Mitchell and the union representing municipal employees, AFSCME Local 851, have successfully negotiated a new collective bargaining agreement. The total estimated cost of the agreement is $4.2 million over the contract’s three-year term. The contract applies to 364 positions across city government.

The union membership ratified the agreement earlier this week, and, as required by law, Mayor Jon Mitchell submitted a funding request with the City Council to cover an estimated $92,000 in Fiscal Year 2023 costs. Savings in the City’s current operating budget will be used to cover approximately $80,000 in additional Fiscal Year 2023 costs. The Mayor’s funding request will be considered at a Special Meeting of the City Council scheduled for Wednesday, May 3, 2023.

“I wish to thank the City’s and the Union’s negotiating teams and their work to secure an agreement that fairly compensates our hard-working municipal employees while protecting the interests of taxpayers. The agreement will help the City address staffing shortages, especially among our emergency dispatchers, who have had to work long hours to maintain a reliable level of service,” said Mayor Mitchell.

Key Contract Terms
Effective April 24, 2023, the contract eliminates “step 1” on the employee step scale and adds a new step at the top of the step scale at 3% more than the step before it; and provides a 1% COLA. These changes combined result in an increase of 4.75% per hour for the average employee.

Effective July 1, 2023, the contract eliminates the new “step 1” and adds a new step at the top of the step scale at 3% more than the step before it; and provides a 2% COLA. These changes combined result in an increase of 5.78% per hour for the average employee.

Effective July 1, 2024, the contract leaves the new step structure in place and provides a 2% COLA. These changes combined result in an increase of 5.47% per hour for the average employee.

Dispatcher-Specific Terms
The City committed to significant compensation increases to address a staffing shortage in the 911 Dispatch Center, and to incentivize the retention of existing dispatch staff. Effective April 24, 2023, in addition to the COLA and step changes listed above, dispatchers are moved from the current “Grade G” pay range ($19.21-26.82) to “Grade K” pay range ($22.06-30.78) on the compensation schedule.

This change immediately shifts the dispatcher pay range upwards by nearly 15%, which is provided in addition to the percentage increases in hourly pay rates described earlier. Effective July 1, 2023, the Grade K pay range becomes $23.17-32.34, and effective July 1, 2024, the Grade K range becomes $23.63-32.99.

Other Contract Terms
The City is committed to conducting a reclassification exercise for AFSCME positions that will be completed by the end of the contract. Eligible employees will also qualify for a Commercial Drivers License stipend, reimbursement annually for work boots, and an increased longevity incentive.”

“New Districts Celebrate City’s Role in the Abolition Movement and 19th-century Trades.

The City of New Bedford is home to two new historic districts, with the City’s Council’s recent approval of a proposal submitted by Mayor Jon Mitchell to establish Abolition Row and Mechanics Lane as Historic Districts in the City.

The City previously had one local historic district, the Bedford Landing – Waterfront Historic District, which was established in 1971 and which shares its boundaries with the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park.

The proposed Abolition Row Historic District comprises a unique and cohesive group of residential properties along Seventh Street, representing the City’s significant role in the Abolition Movement. The proposed Mechanic’s Lane Local Historic District, named after a small alleyway that is the center of the district, is a small cohesive group of mainly residential properties that were built in the early to mid-nineteenth century that housed tradesmen and craftsmen who were commonly referred to as “mechanics.” The lane runs along the back of the First Baptist Church, a historic landmark whose restoration is nearly complete.

In 2016, the Historical Commission was approached by several residents along Seventh Street and Mechanics Lane asking for the possibility of exploring the creation of new Local Historical Districts. The Historical Commission and Planning Department met with neighbors several times, and the result was a proposal that reflected their input, as well as feedback from the Massachusetts Historical Commission and the New Bedford Planning Board.

The City values its heritage and has a long record of establishing preservation policies to help maintain and enhance the City’s unique character. New Bedford is home to seven National Historic Landmarks (three of them are located within the proposed Abolition Row District,) and currently has 15 National Register Districts ranging in diversity from parks and textile mill complexes to industrial power plants and residential neighborhoods.

“I want to applaud the work of the Historic Commission and residents who came together to help design and advocate for the new Districts in collaboration with my Administration and the Council,” said Mayor Mitchell. “The designation of the Abolition Row and Mechanic’s Lane Historic Districts will ensure that these unique and cohesive group of properties are recognized for their historic and architectural significance and are protected from potential alterations that could undermine the area’s historical character.”

“New Bedford’s single local historic district, the Bedford Landing District, whose borders are contiguous with the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, was established in 1971,” said Diana Henry, Chair of the New Bedford Historical Commission. “Therefore, after a half-century, the designation of two new Districts as a result of a grassroots effort initiated by neighborhood residents is an endeavor to be celebrated. The Historical Commission looks forward to collaborating with the new District property owners in the continued preservation and recognition of their unique properties and their contribution to what makes New Bedford special.”-City of New Bedford.

“During New Bedford’s municipal election in 2017, via a ballot question – “Should the Mayor’s term be extended from 2 years to 4 years?” – citizens voted in favor of the ballot question. The tally was 6,904 yes votes and 6,127 no votes.

While good arguments were made in favor of extending the Mayoral term and the ballot question passed, the vote was relatively close indicating some level of disapproval.

Thus, it’s important to consider why 6,127 citizens voted no on the ballot questions and to consider measures designed to protect the City and its residents from a 4-year Mayoral term that could potentially include instances of impropriety, malfeasance, dereliction of duty, and illegal activities.

One such measure that could protect the City and its citizens from said instances is a Mayoral recall provision which if enacted, would rest power in the City’s voters to remove a sitting Mayor from office.

Therefore, because Mayor Mitchell has agreed to work with the City Council to establish a Mayoral recall provision, it is my intention to sustain the Mayor’s Veto of the Written Motion which seeks to place on the ballot an advisory opinion question asking the citizens of New Bedford, “Shall the term of Office of Mayor of the City of New Bedford be reduced from the current four years to two years?”-Councilor Scott Lima.

Mayor Jon Mitchell’s remarks on Councilor Scott Lima’s Announcement:

“Mayor Jon Mitchell will deliver his annual State of the City address at New Bedford High School on Wednesday, May 3, at a luncheon event from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. hosted by the Chamber of Commerce. With over 500 attendees anticipated, it is considered to be the state’s second-largest event of its kind.

What: State of the City Luncheon 2023, featuring address by Mayor Jon Mitchell
When: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 3
Where: New Bedford High School, 230 Hathaway Boulevard

Media RSVP: Please respond to Holly.Huntoon@newbedford-ma.gov or Katie Greene at: kgreene@onesouthcoast.com to register.

A media table will be available with internet connectivity and audio hookups. If you need additional audio/visual capacity, please let us know in your RSVP.

Web: https://members.onesouthcoast.com/events/details/2023-state-of-the-city-luncheon-with-mayor-jon-mitchell-498385.”

“Mayor Jon Mitchell has proposed more than $1.3 million to purchase new equipment for the Police Department and upgrade Fire Department facilities. The funds come from the Fiscal Year 2022 Free Cash certification, a state-certified use of a municipality’s remaining funds from operations of the previous fiscal year.

New Bedford’s Fiscal Year 2022 Free Cash totals more than $12.8 million and has been certified by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. The majority of that total will be placed in the City’s financial reserves, according to policies adopted by the City a few years ago.

The allocation requires City Council approval. In a package submitted to the Council, Mayor Mitchell allocates $400,000 to replace Police Department tablets, including all installation and training costs, along with $375,000 to purchase six front-line patrol vehicles.

Mayor Mitchell would commit $495,000 to complete work at Fire Station #2 on Pleasant Street. An additional $85,000 would be used to implement electrical upgrades at Fire Station #5 on Acushnet Avenue.

Additional allocations would include more than $9.3 million to replenish the City’s rainy-day fund, nearly $1.3 million for the reserve fund for retiree healthcare, $300,000 for a new street sweeper, and $100,000 for a comprehensive review of the City’s emergency plans.

“Our consistent commitment to maintaining our financial reserves has enabled the City to maintain its strong bond rating,” said Mayor Jon Mitchell. “The additional investments in public safety equipment and facilities will help our police officers and firefighters to do their jobs more effectively.”

“Now is the time for listening and discussions, not for lectures on public policy and governance. It has been over two weeks since the ballot question regarding rent stabilizations was passed. In that time, discussions around rising rents – and our housing crisis in general – have finally been given the heightened attention they deserve.

Dialogue is good. Lectures benefit no one while rising rents are at a crisis level in our city. Ask the residents.

It is surprising and disappointing that our Mayor apparently hasn’t received their messages, as they continue to suffer through this housing crisis. Then, ask why, in his last State of the City address, did the Mayor omit ay proposals for or solutions to housing affordability.

There is no “one solution” to ending homelessness. Nor is there one solution to guaranteeing affordable housing for everyone. New Bedford is changing daily. We need to do our best to make sure that all New Bedford’s residents share in the new City that is evolving around them. Rent stabilization alone will not solve our housing crisis.

I never claimed that and never will, but it can bring much-needed relief to the severely cost-burdened families in our community. Specifically, many City residents that are at a greater risk of being priced out of a City they’ve always called home and forced into homelessness.

Contrary to what has been purported, rent control and rent stabilization, have been on the minds of many throughout not only New Bedford but the entire Commonwealth. Boston is leading the way with its own stabilization initiatives. We can discuss the differences between rent control and rent stabilization and sort out how best to rise above this challenge. We can engage all the stakeholders in seeking solutions best for everyone, solutions that support new housing development and ensure that housing is affordable.

As we have seen in two short weeks, a ballot question inspires conversation. It focuses issues. It stimulates debate. For elected officials to go forward with proposals without first gauging the will of the citizens on such a unique concept and important issue would be irresponsible. This is not an issue that should be determined from the top down but rather from the bottom up.

I encourage the Administration to meet with our many local non-profit groups or even our monthly neighborhood community groups, to understand and know that the people of New Bedford can no longer afford to be price gouged. We need to plan for sustainability. New Bedford is a quilt of many communities. Each of those quilted threads is being destroyed by rising rents.

My colleagues and I will continue to facilitate the discussions surrounding this ballot question and look forward to working with the Administration, developers, and everyone that will be impacted by a potential rent stabilization Ordinance.”

“The former Mayor of Les Irois, Haiti was indicted today in Massachusetts for illegally obtaining a Permanent Resident Card (commonly referred to as a Green Card) by means of a false statement, specifically, that he had not ordered, carried out or materially assisted in extrajudicial and political killings and other acts of violence against the Haitian people.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Justice, 50-year-old Jean Morose Viliena was indicted on three counts of visa fraud and will appear in federal court in Boston today later today.

“The atrocities alleged here – the extrajudicial torture, murder and attempted murder of multiple people – are hard to comprehend. But the political corruption and violence endured in other parts of the world are very real. Immigrants seeking asylum in the United States are often fleeing war, persecution or natural disaster. That this defendant, a former Mayor in Haiti, is alleged to have personally committed or ordered the maiming, harm, humiliation or death of his adversaries and then blatantly deceived our country to seek refuge here is not only unacceptable, it is a crime. Moments ago, he was arrested and officially charged with visa fraud. We intend to hold him accountable for this crime,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Gaining lawful entry into our country is a privilege, not a right. Our nation offers protection, assistance and asylum to those who are persecuted. People that perpetrate acts of violence and harm — and then allegedly lie about their conduct to US immigration officials — in their countries are not welcome here.”

“Today’s indictment recounts horrific violence Viliena is alleged to have committed against the people of Haiti, both through armed groups he directed and by his own hand,” said Michael J. Krol, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England. “He’s alleged to have lied about this violent past, evading the consequences of his actions and beginning a life here in Massachusetts. With today’s indictment and arrest, Viliena is finally facing federal criminal charges for his lies.”

According to court documents, Viliena was the former mayor of Les Irois, Haiti from December 2006 until at least February 2010. As a candidate and as a Mayor, Viliena was backed by a political machine called Korega, which exerts power throughout the southwestern region of Haiti through armed violence. Viliena personally supervised his mayoral staff and security detail and led an armed group in Les Irois aligned with Korega. Under Viliena’s direct supervision, the Korega militia enforced Viliena’s policies by various means, including by targeting political opponents in Les Irois through armed violence.

According to the indictment, as Mayor, Viliena was involved in several instances of violence. The first allegedly occurred in or around July 27, 2007, when a witness spoke at a judicial proceeding in Les Irois on behalf of a neighbor who had been assaulted by Viliena. In reprisal for that testimony, that evening, Viliena allegedly led an armed group to that witness’ home, where Viliena and his associates shot and killed the witness’ younger brother, and then smashed his skull with a large rock before a crowd of bystanders.

The second incident allegedly occurred in or around March 2008, when a group of local journalists and activists founded a community radio station. According to court documents, Viliena opposed establishment of the radio station and, on April 8, 2008, mobilized members of his staff and the Korega militia to forcibly shut down the radio station and seize its broadcasting equipment. At that time, Viliena distributed firearms to the Korega militia members, some of whom also carried machetes, picks, and sledgehammers.

On the day of the attack on the radio station, Viliena allegedly pistol-whipped an individual with his gun and struck him with his fists. When the individual tried to flee, it is alleged that Viliena ordered one of his associates to shoot and kill him. Shots were fired which hit the individual in the leg. The individual spent several months in various hospitals and his leg was later amputated above his knee. Another individual, also a citizen of Haiti, became a target of Viliena allegedly because of his association with the radio station. It is alleged that on the day of the attack of the radio station, that individual was present and when he tried to flee, he was hit by a bullet in the face. He required months of intensive medical treatment, including two surgeries to extract shotgun pellets from his face, which left him permanently blind in one eye. According to court documents, pieces of shotgun pellets remain in the individual’s scalp and arms.

On June 3, 2008, Viliena presented himself at the United States Embassy Consular Office in Port au Prince, Haiti where he submitted an Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration, Form DS-230, Part II in order to gain entry to the United States. The form specifically requires that each applicant state whether or not they are a member of any class of individuals that are excluded from admission into the United States, including those who have “ordered, carried out or materially assisted in extrajudicial and political killings and other acts of violence against the Haitian people.” It is alleged that Viliena falsely responded that he was not. Viliena thereafter swore to, or affirmed, before a U.S. Consular Officer that the contents of the application were true and signed the application. According to court documents, thereafter, on or about June 4, 2008 and based upon Viliena’s false representations in the Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Form DS-230, the U.S. Department of State approved Viliena’s DS-230 application.

On or about July 14, 2008 – as the result of the approval of his DS-230 application – Viliena gained entry into the United States and was thereafter granted lawful permanent residence status in the United States. As a further result, Viliena received a Permanent Resident Card. Viliena has continued to possess a Permanent Resident Card and has used such card on numerous occasions to enter the United States.

The charge of visa fraud provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

U.S. Attorney Rollins; HSI Acting SAC Krol; Jennifer De La O, Director of Field Operations of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Boston Field Office; and Malden Police Chief Glenn Cronin made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura J. Kaplan of Rollins’ National Security Unit and Christina Giffin and Alexandra Skinnion of the Justice Department’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Unit Section (HRSP) are prosecuting the case, with assistance from HRSP historian Christopher Hayden.

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The following is an opinion sent to New Bedford Guide. It does not reflect the opinion of New Bedford Guide, nor is it an OP-ED. In fairness and objectivity, we share opinions from our readers whether we agree or disagree with their opinion.

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“New Bedford Residents, please read:

New Bedford’s Mayor and councilors are showing no value to their employees of the city. The city councilors that New Bedford residents elect to gain your confidence are letting the Mayor do what he’s doing to your city servants and police.

What is he really doing with your tax dollars is the question. If the Mayor isn’t helping keep these positions filled, the city employees with the police are applying for jobs and obtaining them in surrounding towns and cities for a better wage. What is this telling the New Bedford residents? Wake up, people! This is your city.

The City of New Bedford has over 60 positions available because the City doesn’t provide a fair and competitive wage. The numbers are rising!! Residents have to start asking where your your tax dollars are going!

It’s happening with your safety and your public servants! What are the city councilors that you elected doing for you???

Your city workers are:

• Building custodians that clean your city buildings
• Mechanics that maintain city vehicles, fire, police,Ems, sanders & plows, all city vehicles
• Electricians, plumbers, carpenters that take care of your buildings, lights and plumbing issues.
• Welders that take care of all equipment to run the city
• Dispatchers that watch over your safety & police & Ems
• Animal control that take care of the city with wildlife
• Airport staff that takes care of the airport
• Various positions at your water dept that takes part of your water & sewer issues, to maintaining your city streets
• Zoo dept that takes care of your public zoo
• Building inspectors that inspect your buildings for codes
• Sanitarians that look over your city to make sure your health is important
• Numerous positions in every office throughout the city that takes care of entering all work of everyone, to billing all vendors for all this work being done on a Daily Basis.
• Parking enforcement to make sure everyone is following parking issues

All these positions that are a big part of the city, a lot of the people don’t know are out there. Positions the people pay for. This city needs a fair wage and your Mayor and councilors are holding back your money and holding back your services that the city is supposed to be providing you, the people of New Bedford.

The numbers are rising
It’s on the AFSME Greater New Bedford Page. Please help us to get this out to all who read your page. This page is a great resource for the people of New Bedford and we hope to have your support! 0Robert Vicente.”-AFSME LOCAL 851.

“I have reviewed the crude images posted on Facebook by City Councillor-elect Shawn Oliver that purport to comment on transgender rights.

I want to make clear that I categorically condemn the postings. Coming from an individual who is about to assume public office, they are especially abhorrent. New Bedford has long distinguished itself as a city that honors and protects the rights of all of its residents, and the messages conveyed by the postings are antithetical to our core values.

No matter how long ago the postings appeared, it is imperative that the councilor-elect repudiate them. The residents of the city and particularly Ward 3 need to be confident that he is committed to serving everyone.” -Jon Mitchell.