Thursday, June 25, 2015

Wakefield man arrested for Assault.

John Spector
On June 25, 2015 at approximately 12:10AM Transit Police officers working in Area1 received a radio call to respond to the MBTA's North Station Commuter Rail for an assault in progress. Upon arrival officers were met by two male victims (25 and 33 years of age) who relayed the following: as they entered North Station at the west entrance they were harassed by a male, later identified as John Spector, 25, of Wakefield for money. Both victims requested Spector leave them alone as they did not have money to give him. Spector became angry upon hearing this and followed the victims as they made their way to Track 7.  The victims again requested Spector leave them alone, Spector responded by striking the 33 year old victim in the face with a closed fist knocking him to the ground. The 2nd victim intervened and struggled with Spector. At this time Spector stabbed the 2nd victim in the bicep area and fled the station.

Transit and Boston Police officers conducted an area search based upon a detailed description provided by the victims and witnesses. Shortly thereafter Boston Police officers observed Spector running through Paul Revere Park, Charlestown. Officers noted he was sweating profusely and had blood on his face.

The victims positively identified Spector as their attacker. Transit Police officers placed Spector into custody and transported him to Transit Police HQ for the arrest booking process. It is expected Spector will be arraigned sometime today in Boston Municipal Court-Central Division for Assault & Battery w/ Dangerous Weapon and Assault & Battery.


media inquiries should be directed to Lt. Richard Sullivan at rsullivan@mbta.com

tpdnews.



The events listed above are allegations; All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Medford man pleads Guilty for Fraud against the MBTA



Massachusetts- Office of the Attorney General Announces:

MEDFORD MAN PLEADS GUILTY, SENTENCED TO THREE YEARS IN PRISON FOR MANUFACTURING, DISTRIBUTING COUNTERFEIT MBTA PASSES
Distributed More than 3,000 Passes Yielding More than $60,000 in Profit and Depriving MBTA in Excess of $225,000 in Revenue
           
WOBURN A Medford man has pleaded guilty and been sentenced to three years in state prison in connection with a scheme to manufacture and distribute counterfeit Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) passes, Attorney General Maura Healey announced today. He distributed more than 3,000 counterfeit passes, making more than $60,000 in personal profit and depriving the MBTA of revenue in excess of $225,000.

            Casey Kolenda, age 28, of Medford, pleaded guilty today in Middlesex Superior Court to the charges of Counterfeiting (7 counts). After the plea was entered, Judge Thomas P. Billings sentenced Kolenda to three years to three years and a day in state prison, with three years of probation to serve upon his release.  

            “This scheme resulted in significant revenue loss for the MBTA and was patently unfair to riders who paid the full cost of their transit passes,” said AG Healey. “Schemes such as this one, in which an individual commits crimes for personal gain at the expense of the public, will not be tolerated.”

“Let this serve as a strong reminder that the MBTA and the Transit Police will not tolerate fraud,” said Acting Transit Police Chief Kenneth Green. “Hardworking, honest, fare paying MBTA customers deserve and expect our full attention to such criminal behavior. The successful prosecution of this case is the result of a collaborative partnership between Transit Police detectives and the Attorney General’s Office.”

The investigation began in August 2013, after the MBTA Transit Police discovered the existence of hundreds of unauthorized tickets in use by riders on the MBTA’s subway and bus systems. The AG’s Office and the Massachusetts State Police joined the investigation into the production and distribution of alleged counterfeit tickets in September 2013. Through that investigation, authorities identified multiple monthly LinkPasses that were purchased legitimately and subsequently used to create hundreds of counterfeit tickets used by riders.

The investigation revealed that Kolenda orchestrated a scheme to fraudulently create counterfeit $70 monthly MBTA subway and bus passes, known as “LinkPasses,” between October 2013 and March 2014. The electronic data stored on the LinkPass magnetic stripe was copied using a magnetic stripe reader, also known as a “skimmer.” That data was then downloaded onto the magnetic stripes of hundreds of MBTA stored-value cards that were purchased for as little as five cents at ticket kiosks.

Kolenda then disguised the counterfeit passes by applying contact paper that bore the production history of the original LinkPass, as well as the MBTA’s trademarked “T” logo. Similar in appearance and now encoded with the electronic data copied from the LinkPass, the counterfeit cards could be used at any MBTA fare gate in the same manner as the original pass.

Kolenda was arrested in March 2014 without incident at his Medford home by Massachusetts State Police assigned to the AG’s Office and MBTA Transit Police Detectives. He was indicted by a Statewide Grand Jury in July 2014.

At the time of his arrest, Kolenda had more than 60 counterfeit April 2014 LinkPasses and almost $7,000 in cash on his person. State Police executed a search warrant at his residence and seized additional counterfeit April 2014 LinkPasses, hundreds of MBTA five-cent cards, three skimmers, and the material and computer equipment used to manufacture the counterfeit passes. 

The MBTA estimates that Kolenda is responsible for over 3,000 counterfeit MBTA passes in circulation from October 2013 through March 2014. The joint investigation revealed that these counterfeit passes bearing the electronic data of the original were distributed and used on a monthly basis by MBTA riders, sometimes more than 15,000 times in one month. Investigators estimate that the lost revenue attributable to the counterfeit tickets manufactured and distributed by Kolenda was in excess of $225,000. 

This case was prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Gina Masotta of the AG’s Public Integrity Division. The investigation was handled by MBTA Transit Police detectives and State Police assigned to the AG’s Office, with assistance from the AG’s Financial Investigations Division, the AG’s Victim Services Division, and the AG’s Digital Evidence Lab.

tpdnews. 

Arlington Juvenile arrested for larceny of a bicycle.

Preferred device
On June 22, 2015 at approximately 3PM Transit Police detectives were at the MBTA's Alewife station conducting surveillance of the bicycle cages and racks as a direct result of bicycle larcenies. While there detectives observed a 15 year old juvenile from Arlington steal an unsecured bicycle from the bike rack. The male juvenile was placed into custody and is expected to be arraigned sometime today in Middlesex County Juvenile Court for Larceny of a Bicycle.

Please help the Transit Police prevent bicycle thefts on the MBTA . We suggest you always secure your bicycle using a ULOCK anti-theft device, do not leave your bicycle overnight or for longer periods of time and only use the bike cages or racks to secure your bicycle. Thank you, together we can stop bicycle thiefs from being successful.  


media inquiries should be directed to Lt. Richard Sullivan at rsullivan@mbta.com

tpdnews.



The events listed above are allegations; All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt

 

Friday, June 19, 2015

Point of Entry Policing; Malden Center.

James Kelley
On June 18, 2015 at approximately 4PM Transit Police officers were conducting Point of Entry Policing at the MBTA's Malden Center station. While there officers observed a male, later identified as James Kelley, 44, of Dorchester smoking a cigarette under a conspicuously posted 'NO SMOKING" sign. Officers approached Kelley and subsequently discovered Kelley had several warrants in existence for his arrest issued by three separate courts: Dorchester District Court for Possession of a Controlled Substance, Somerville District Court for Operating a Motor Vehicle w/out a License and Roxbury District Court for Operating Under the Influence and Possession of a Controlled substance. Kelley was placed into custody and transported to Transit Police HQ for the arrest booking process. During this process Kelley was found to be in possession of various other prescription narcotics of which he was not authorized to possess.  


media inquiries should be directed to Lt. Richard Sullivan at rsullivan@mbta.com

tpdnews.



The events listed above are allegations; All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Trespasser struck Beverly. Non life threatening injuries.

On June 17, 2015 at approximately 7:35pm Transit Police officers working in Area 2 received a radio call to respond to Beverly for a pedestrian possibly struck by a MBTA Commuter Rail train. Several Transit Police units responded along with Beverly Police and Fire. Transit Police personnel on scene report the following preliminary information: in the vicinity of Congress and Wellman Street's in Beverly a 52 year old male, while trespassing on the right of way, was struck by an inbound Rockport Line train. At this time the male's injuries appear to be NON life threatening. He has been transported to a local area hospital for emergency care. The facts and circumstances leading to the incident is currently under investigation by Transit Police detectives.

Media inquires should be directed to LT. Richard Sullivan at rsullivan@mbta.com

tpdnews

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Level 3 Sex Offender netted by Point of Entry Policing.

Jim Watts
On June16, 2015 at approximately 9:25am Transit Police officers working in Area 3 were conducting Point of Entry Policing at the MBTA's Andrew Sq. station. While there they observed a male, later identified as Jim Watts, 49, of Boston fare evade by "piggybacking" in behind a paying customer. Officers approached Watts for the purpose of issuing a citation and subsequently discovered Watts is a Level 3 Sex Offender who is in violation of the Sex Offender Registry Laws. Watts was placed into custody and transported to Transit Police HQ for the arrest booking process. 


media inquiries should be directed to Lt. Richard Sullivan at rsullivan@mbta.com

tpdnews.



The events listed above are allegations; All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt

Fugitive from Justice netted by Point of Entry Policing.

Sonya Ritter
On June 15, 2015 at approximately 5PM  Transit Police officers were conducting Point of Entry Policing at the MBTA's Downtown Crossing station. While there officers observed a female, later identified as Sonya Ritter, 26, of Cambridge who was loitering and smoking in the stairwell of the Winter Street entrance. Officers approached Ritter and subsequently discovered she was a Fugitive from Justice: Ritter was wanted by the State of Maine for Theft by Unauthorized Taking, Refuse to Submit to Arrest and Violation of Terms of Release. Ritter was placed into custody and transported to Transit Police HQ for the arrest booking process. Maine authorities contacted and agreed to extradite.


media inquiries should be directed to Lt. Richard Sullivan at rsullivan@mbta.com

tpdnews.



The events listed above are allegations; All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt

Monday, June 15, 2015

Boston arrested already wanted, draws attention to himself.

On June 13, 2015 at approximately 12:39am Transit Police officers working in Area 4 received a radio call to respond to the MBTA's Stony Brook station for a report of a male causing damage to the vending machine and succeeded in knocking the machine over causing substantial damage. Upon arrival officers were met by an MBTA employee who provided a description and direction of flight of the offending male. Officers were able to stop the male suspect, later identified as Dayquan Hardy , 22, of Boston at the intersection of Boylston Street and Boylston Place. Hardy violently resisted the officers attempt to place him into custody but was eventually subdued. Hardy was transported to Transit Police HQ for the arrest booking process. It is expected Hardy will be arraigned sometime today in West Roxbury District Court for Malicious Destruction of Property Over 250.00. During the booking process it was discovered there were two warrants in existence for Hardy's arrest issued from Dorchester District Court for Assault & Battery on Elder/Disabled person and Brighton District Court for Assault & Battery on a Public Employee.

media inquiries should be directed to Lt. Richard Sullivan at rsullivan@mbta.com

tpdnews.



The events listed above are allegations; All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt

Monday, June 8, 2015

Rhode Island man arrested for Indecent Assault.

Bradford Bowe
On June 6, 2015 at approximately 8:35pm Transit Police officers working in Area 1 received a radio call to respond to the MBTA's Back Bay station for a report of an Assault & Battery. Upon arrival officers were met by the victim, a 22 year old female, and a witness to the incident. The victim informed the officers of the following: while at the Commuter Rail ticket counter she was approached by a male, later identified as Bradford Bowe, 22, of Cumberland, Rhode Island. Bowe made several inappropriate comments, of a sexual nature, to the victim and began to dance and gyrate his body. As the victim attempted to walk away from Bowe he Indecently Assaulted her.

Officers placed Bowe into custody and transported him to Transit Police HQ for the arrest booking process. It is expected Bowe will be arraigned sometime today in Boston Municipal Court-Central Division.

media inquiries should be directed to Lt. Richard Sullivan at rsullivan@mbta.com

tpdnews.




The events listed above are allegations; All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt

Friday, June 5, 2015

Point of Entry Policing; Back Bay

Timothy Chapman
On June 4, 2015 at approximately 2:20PM Transit Police officers working in Area 1 were conducting Point of Entry Policing at the MBTA's Back Bay station. While there they observed a male, later identified as Timothy Chapman, 35, of Woburn fare evade by "Piggybacking" in behind a paying customer. Officers approached Chapman for the purpose of issuing a citation and subsequently discovered there was a warrant in existence for his arrest issued from Concord District Court for Motor Vehicle violations. Chapman was placed into custody and transported to Transit Police HQ for the arrest booking process. During booking Chapman was found to be in possession of nearly 7,000 dollars in US Currency. Yes that's correct, he evaded a  $2.10 fare while in possession of nearly 7 thousand dollars and had a warrant for his arrest. Hmmmmmmm.

media inquiries should be directed to Lt. Richard Sullivan at rsullivan@mbta.com

tpdnews.




The events listed above are allegations; All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt

Thursday, June 4, 2015

Point of Entry Policing-JFK-UMass

Jeremy Lee
On June 3, 2015 at approximately 10:30am Transit Police officers working in Area 3 were conducting Point of Entry Policing at the MBTA's JFK-UMass station. While there they observed a male, later identified as Jeremy Lee, 37, of Dorchester fare evade by slipping through the exit only gate. Officers approached Lee for the purpose of issuing a citation and subsequently discovered there was a warrant in existence for Lee's arrest issued from South Boston District Court for Shoplifting. Lee was placed into custody and transported to Transit Police HQ for the arrest booking process.

media inquiries should be directed to Lt. Richard Sullivan at rsullivan@mbta.com

tpdnews.




The events listed above are allegations; All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Statement from Sgt. Richard "Dic" Donohue regarding Middlesex DA's Findings .

Statement from MBTA Transit Police Sergeant Richard "Dic" Donohue:

"While the District Attorney’s report finds it likely that I was injured by friendly fire, it does not take away from the heroic actions of those officers who ultimately prevented further acts of terror on the citizens of the United States.  Further, it remains clear that Tamerlan and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev are responsible for the firefight in Watertown.  I harbor no regrets and am forever grateful to the police officers, firefighters, and medical professionals who saved my life on April 19th, 2013".

Media inquiries should be directed to LT.Richard Sullivan at rsullivan@mbta.com.

Attention media please respect the privacy of Sgt. Donohue and refrain from seeking additional comments or interviews. Thanks ! tpdnews.

Wrentham man arrested for Open and Gross Conduct.

Brian Treeful
On June 1, 2015 at approximately 12:55pm Transit Police officers working in Area 3 received a radio call to respond to the MBTA's JFK-UMass station for a report of a disorderly male. Upon arrival officers were met by several witnesses who informed the officers of the following: while traveling on a northbound Red Line train a male, later identified as Brian Treeful, 42 of Wrentham, was harassing patrons on board. When patrons requested Treeful cease his behavior he responded by lowering his pants and exposing his genitals and buttocks. The witnesses then pointed out Treeful who was still inside the train to the officers.

Officers removed Treeful from the train and placed him into custody for Open & Gross Lewdness. While the officers were placing Treeful into the transport vehicle he attempted to spit at the officers and was un-cooperative. Treeful was eventually transported to Transit Police HQ for the arrest booking process. It is expected Treeful will be arraigned sometime today in Dorchester District Court.

media inquiries should be directed to Lt. Richard Sullivan at rsullivan@mbta.com

tpdnews.




The events listed above are allegations; All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt

Monday, June 1, 2015

Point of Entry Policing: JKF-UMass


Tara Perna
On May 31, 2015 at approximately 1pm a Transit Police officer working in Area 3 was on patrol at the MBTA's JKF-UMass station when her attention was drawn to a female, later identified as Tara Perna, 37, of Wakefield. Perna was smoking a cigarette and blocking the entrance to the station via the Sydney Street stairs. The officer approached Perna, Perna became argumentative and furnished a false name to the officer. Subsequently the officer discovered Perna's true identity and there was a warrant in existence for Perna's arrest issued from Lynn District Court for Larceny Over 250.00.

Perna was placed into custody and transported to Transit Police HQ for the arrest booking process.

media inquiries should be directed to Lt. Richard Sullivan at rsullivan@mbta.com

tpdnews.




The events listed above are allegations; All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt