Fatal bus pedestrian Chelsea MA.

On April 18, 2019 at approximately 5:35AM Transit Police officers assigned to the North District received a radio call to respond to Everett Avenue near the on ramp to the Tobin Bridge in Chelsea for a pedestrian possibly struck by an MBTA bus. Multiple Transit Police units responded along with Chelsea Police and EMS. Preliminary investigation reveals an MBTA bus route 111 struck 60 year old Mary Pettiglio of East Boston. Pettiglio has been pronounced deceased as a result of injuries sustained. 

 The MBTA is deeply saddened by this tragic event, and we extend our condolences to Ms. Pettiglio's family and loved ones.  The bus operator has been suspended and the MBTA Transit Police, State Police and the Suffolk District Attorney's office will continue their joint investigation.

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

ID wanted for male who smashes bus window.

 If you know the whereabouts or identity of this individual please contact our Criminal Investigations Unit at 617-222-1050. If you would like to assist our investigators but wish to remain anonymous you can always text us your tip to 873873 or use the anonymous feature on our SeeSay app

The subject depicted within is wanted for questioning relative to Malicious Destruction of Property, on an MBTA Bus in the area of Essex Street and South Street in Boston on Thursday, March 28, 2019, at approximately 10:00 AM.

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

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

" Angry" Boston man shatters MBTA bus windshield.

Richard Bridgeman

On April 15, 2019 at approximately 10:30AM Transit Police officers assigned to the South District received a radio call to respond to the 400 block of Massachusetts Avenue for a male who threw a brick at an MBTA bus. Upon arrival officers were met by the operator who stated the following: while traveling northbound on Massachusetts Avenue a male, armed with a brick, forcefully threw the brick at the windshield causing it to shatter. The offending male, later identified as Richard Bridgeman, 53, of Boston was stopped nearby by Boston Police officers who were flagged down.

Bridgeman was placed into custody for Malicious Destruction of Property and stated to officers he damaged the bus because he was angry the bus did not stop for him. Bridgeman was transported to TPD HQ for the arrest booking process.

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

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

ID Wanted for Open & Gross Investigation.

If you know the whereabouts or identity of this individual please contact our Criminal Investigations Unit at 617-222-1050. If you would like to assist our investigators but wish to remain anonymous you can always text us your tip to 873873 or use the anonymous feature on our SeeSay app


The subject depicted within is wanted for questioning relative to an Open & Gross, Lewdness onboard a MBTA Route #39, and exited at the intersection of Huntington Avenue and Wait Street, on Friday, March 8, 2019, at 6:00 PM.

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

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

Somerville man arrested for Robbery.

Kerby Cetoute

On April 8, 2019 at approximately 12:30PM Transit Police officers assigned to the South District were on patrol at the MBTA's Quincy Center station when they were alerted to a robbery in progress. Officers immediately proceeded in the direction of the incident and were met by the victim , a 25 year old male. The victim reported the following information: The victim arranged, via a social media site, to sell a pair of sneakers to an unknown male and agreed to make the exchange at Quincy Center MBTA. The male convinced the victim to proceeded to the far end of the platform to exchange money for the sneakers. Once there the offending male, later identified as Kerby Cetoute, 22, of Somerville, forcefully attempted to take possession of the sneakers from the victim. The victim resisted and Cetoute made the victim believe he was armed with a weapon, possibly a firearm, as he shouted "I'll shoot you". The commotion drew the attention of passersby and Cetoute fled.

An area search conducted by Transit and Quincy Police resulted in Cetoute being detained nearby and the victim positively identifying him as the assailant. Cetoute was placed into custody for Armed Robbery and transported to Transit Police HQ for the arrest booking process.

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

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

Please help the TPD identifiy this subject re: Malicious Destruction of Property Investigation.

If you know the whereabouts or identity of this individual please contact our Criminal Investigations Unit at 617-222-1050. If you would like to assist our investigators but wish to remain anonymous you can always text us your tip to 873873 or use the anonymous feature on our SeeSay app

The subject depicted within is wanted for questioning relative to Malicious Destruction of Property onboard an MBTA bus in the area of 240 North Beacon Street in Brighton on Saturday, March 23, 2019, at approximately 10:10 AM. In addition to punching the door's window causing it to shatter the subject removed his belt and used it to shatter the bus windshield.

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

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

 

Bicycle thief Identification Wanted.

If you know the whereabouts or identity of this individual please contact our Criminal Investigations Unit at 617-222-1050. If you would like to assist our investigators but wish to remain anonymous you can always text us your tip to 873873 or use the anonymous feature on our SeeSay app

The subject depicted within is wanted for questioning relative to Bike Larceny at MBTA South Station on Saturday, March 23, 2019, at approximately 11:46 AM.

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

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

 

Trespasser struck Wilmington.

On April 6, 2019 at approximately 7:30 PM Transit Police officers assigned to the North District received a radio call for a person possibly struck by a Commuter Rail train in Wilmington. Multiple TPD units responded along with Wilmington Fire and EMS. TPD personnel on scene report the following preliminary information: A male, age unknown, while trespassing on the right of way, in the vicinity of 790 Main Street, was struck by an inbound train on the Lowell Line. The male was pronounced deceased as a result of injuries sustained.

There was no passengers on board.


Transit Police detectives and the Middlesex County District Attorney's Office is investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident. Foul play is NOT suspected. NO further updates.

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

Identification sought re: Assault Investigation.

If you know the whereabouts or identity of this individual please contact our Criminal Investigations Unit at 617-222-1050. If you would like to assist our investigators but wish to remain anonymous you can always text us your tip to 873873 or use the anonymous feature on our SeeSay app
The subject depicted within is wanted for questioning relative to an Assault & Battery at Downtown Crossing MBTA Station, Red Line, on Tuesday, February 19, 2019, at approximately 1:30 PM. 

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

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

Brighton man arrested for Assault at Green Street Station.

David Joress

On March 27, 2019 at approximately 7AM Transit Police officers assigned to the South District received a radio call to respond to the MBTA's Green Street Station for a report of an assault. Upon arrival officers were informed of the following: the victim, a 31 year old male, prior to entering the station noticed an unknown male, later identified as David Joress, 30, of Brighton place a face mask on and sternly glare at him (Victim). The two males exchanged words relative to the alleged glare. The victim proceeded to the inbound platform to wait for his train. At this time Joress with a closed fist struck the victim on the side of head knocking him into the pit/right of way area. According to the victim the assault rendered him temporarily unconscious.   

 The victim, who fell approximately five feet into the pit from the assault, was transported to a local area hospital to be evaluated.

Joress was placed into custody and transported to TPD HQ for the arrest booking process.

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

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

Fare Evasion leads to arrest of Wanted Dorchester man.

Joshua Sanders

On March 28, 2019 at approximately 1:10PM members of the Crime Suppression Team were conducting Point of Entry Policing at the MBTA's Andrew Sq. station. While there they observed a male, later identified as Joshua Sanders, 24, of Dorchester, fare evade. Officers approached Sanders for the purpose of issuing a citation and subsequently discovered there were several warrants in existence for Sanders' arrest issued out of Boston Municipal Court for Assault & Battery on a Police Officer & Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon , Roxbury District Court for Indecent

Assault & Battery on Person Over 14 and Concord District Court Motor Vehicle Violations.


Sanders was placed into custody and transported to TPD HQ for the arrest booking process.

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

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

Identification sought re: Lewd & Lascivious Conduct

If you know the whereabouts or identity of this individual please contact our Criminal Investigations Unit at 617-222-1050. If you would like to assist our investigators but wish to remain anonymous you can always text us your tip to 873873 or use the anonymous feature on our SeeSay app

The subject depicted within is wanted for questioning relative to Lewd & Lascivious Conduct onboard a Red Line train on Thursday, February 7, 2019, at approximately 4:32 PM.

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

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

 

St. Patrick's Day Parade 2019 Transit Police related activity.

March 17, 2019 Saint Patrick's Day Parade related incidents:


11AM: TPD officers while riding on a Forge Park train to monitor the large crowd enroute to the parade observed the following individuals intentionally punching out overhead lights on board causing over 7,000 dollars worth of damage: A 17 year old female juvenile from North Attelboro and Brendan McHugh, 18, of Attleboro Falls. Officers had the train stopped at Norwood Depot and placed both subjects into custody for Malicious Destruction to Property.


3:30PM: While TPD officers were speaking with an intoxicated male at Broadway Station a 23 year old male, later identified as George Sawchuck of Cumberland Center, Maine, climbed over a barricade and closed fisted struck the other male in the face and then fled. TPD officers pursued Sawchuck and apprehended him.


4:15PM: While Parade goers were boarding a Providence train at South Station officers attention was drawn to two males, later identified as Othane Chabane, 20, of Bristol, Rhode Island, and Evan Thornton, 20, of Swansea, violently pushing through the crowd so they could cut the line and enter the train. Officers intercepted the duo. One of our officers, a female, who Chabane and Thorton immediately referred to as a word that begins with a B and word that begins with a C  was forcefully pushed her aside by the offending males. The officer stood her ground and was assisted by additional TPD officers. Both subjects were placed into custody.


5PM: Officers observed another impatient parade goer, later identified as Alexander Simolari, 20, of Franklin, forcefully pushing his way through the crowd at South Station. While officers were attempting to catch up to Simolari he drove his shoulder into another male, later identified as Ian Hikel, 23, of Clinton knocking him to the side. The two exchanged words.  Hikel charged and tackled Simolari to the ground and the two began fighting one another. Officers separated he combatants and placed both into custody.


5PM: While at North Station commuter rail monitoring the large crowds TPD officers observed a male, later identified as Keenan Parlin, 21, of Billerica on top of a male victim,  later identified as a 19 year of male from Massachusetts, and forcefully shaking the victim's body causing his head to batter into the ground. Officers immediately intervened and prevented further harm. Parlin will be charged with Assault & Battery Dangerous Weapon.


TPD officers also intercepted dozens of parade goers who choose to ignore the warning relative to consuming alcohol while on the MBTA.


Happy Saint Patrick's Day.


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

Trespasser struck: Beverly

On March 16, 2019 at approximately 5:30 PM Transit Police officers assigned to the North District received a radio call for a person possibly struck by a Commuter Rail train near Montserrat Station in Beverly. Multiple TPD units responded along with Beverly Fire and EMS. TPD personnel on scene report the following preliminary information: A male, age unknown, while trespassing on the right of way, in the vicinity of 248 Essex Street, was struck by an inbound train on the Gloucester Line. The male was pronounced deceased as a result of injuries sustained.


Transit Police detectives and the Essex County District Attorney's Office is investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident. Foul play is NOT suspected. NO further updates.

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

Triple play: Warrants, possession of stolen merchandise and fare evasion.

Cesar Valentin

On March 13, 2019 at approximately 5:30PM members of the Crime Suppression Team were at MBTA Andrew Sq. station conducting Point of Entry Policing. While there they observed a male, later identified as Cesar Valentin, 33, of Chelsea, fare evade. Officers approached Valentin for the purposes of issuing a citation and subsequently discovered there was a warrant for Valentin's arrest issued from Boston Municipal Court for Assault & Battery and Assault & Battery with a Dangerous Weapon. As officers were placing Valentin into custody they observed Valentin was in possession of a brand new "Tommy Hilfiger" shirt with the Anti-Theft device still attached.


Valentin was transported to TPD HQ for the arrest booking process.

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

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

Great police work by TPD nets Allston man targeting teenage females.

Graham-Smith

From January 2019 through March 6, 2019 Transit Police detectives were actively investigating reports of an adult male committing lewd acts directed at teenage females on MBTA buses and subway stations in the Dorchester area. Subsequent to that investigation TPD Detectives identified Keith Graham-Smith, 23, of Allston as the offending male. An arrest warrant was obtained for Graham-Smith's arrest.  

On March 7, 2019 at approximately 2:30PM two eagle eyed TPD officers spotted Graham-Smith at the intersection of Woodbole Ave and Woodruff Way in Mattapan. As officers approached Graham Smith he fled and a foot pursuit ensued. Ultimately officers apprehended Graham-Smith and placed him into custody and transported him to TPD HQ for the arrest booking process. Graham-Smith to face Open & Gross Lewdness charges.

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

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

TPD Officers Indicted by Suffolk County Grand Jury.

Suffolk DA, Transit Police Chief Charge Officer and Two Supervisors in

Beating, Civil Rights Violation, and Cover-up

 

BOSTON, March 6, 2019—Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins and MBTA Transit Police Chief Kenneth Green today announced indictments against a former police officer who allegedly beat a homeless man and two sergeants accused of assisting him in covering up the excessive and unlawful use of force.

“The conduct alleged in these indictments is unacceptable at every level,” District Attorney Rollins said. “The charges reflect an unprovoked armed assault by a uniformed officer on a vulnerable member of our community, followed by a joint venture with supervising officers to cover up that crime. Actions like these undermine the hard work of countless honest, professional police officers and seriously erode trust in law enforcement. Crimes against public integrity are some of the most important that my office can bring on behalf of victims and our community, and I take them extremely seriously.”

“Words cannot express the extreme disappointment I have in the officers who violated the victim and the public’s trust in such an egregious manner,” Chief Green said. “However I refuse to allow the corrupt actions of these individuals to tarnish the vast majority of the men and women of the Transit Police who day in and day out wear their badges and perform their duties with honor and integrity.”

Based on a lengthy investigation by Transit Police detectives and Suffolk County prosecutors, the Suffolk County Grand Jury today returned indictments charging former Transit Police Officer DORSTON BARTLETT, 65, of Lynn with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and violating a person’s civil rights for allegedly using his baton to strike a 32-year-old homeless man multiple times at Ashmont station in the early morning hours of July 27, 2018.

The indictments also charge Bartlett with misleading a police officer for allegedly giving false statements to two Boston Police officers who later responded to the scene, as well as assault and battery for allegedly grabbing and pushing the victim during the booking process that followed his arrest.

The Suffolk County Grand Jury returned additional indictments charging Bartlett, Sergeant DAVID FINNERTY, 43, of Rutland and Sergeant KENNY ORCEL, 55, of Chelmsford with making a false report as a public officer or employee, and additionally indicted Finnerty and Orcel as accessories after the fact to assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. These charges stem from the alleged collusion among all three to create a false incident report on Bartlett’s encounter with the victim in the hours following the assault.

At the time of the offenses, Finnerty was the shift officer in charge and Orcel was the shift patrol supervisor; both were placed on leave – and Bartlett retired – last year in the course of the investigation.

The evidence suggests that Bartlett arrested the victim after the assault and attempted to charge him with assault and battery on a police officer. In support of that charge, Finnerty allegedly drafted a report that was submitted by Bartlett and ultimately approved by Orcel. Later the same morning, a member of the Transit Police command staff learned of Bartlett’s use of force and reviewed both a preliminary draft of that report and video from public safety cameras at Ashmont station. Based on his observations, he ordered the victim released from custody, charges did not issue, and the criminal investigation was launched.

Myriah Young is the DA’s victim-witness advocate assigned to the case. Bartlett, Finnerty, and Orcel are expected to appear for arraignment on March 27.

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

Dorchester man bites another passenger at North Station.

Edwin Melenciano

On February 28, 2019 at approximately 6:45AM Transit Police officers assigned to the Central District received a radio call to respond to the MBTA's North Station for a report of a disturbance. Upon arrival officers were met by the victim, a 30 year old male, who displayed a fresh human bite mark on his left arm that was bleeding. The victim pointed out a male, later identified as Edwin Melenciano, 34, of Dorchester and informed the officers Meleciano had just bitten him. The victim was at a loss as to why he was bitten and stated Melenciano had been harassing him on the platform.

Officers approached Melenciano and observed he had dried blood around his lower lip. Melenciano was uncooperative and boisterous towards the officers. Officers placed Melenciano into custody and transported him to TPDHQ for the arrest booking process. The victim was transported by Boston EMS for evaluation and treatment.

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

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

East Boston man attempts to peer into women's bathroom stall.

Angel Hernandez-Flores

On February 22, 2019 at approximately 9:20PM Transit Police officers assigned to the Central District received a radio call to respond to the MBTA's North Station Commuter Rail for a man inside the women's restroom refusing to leave. Upon arrival officers observed a long line of women and children waiting in line to use the restroom and expressing their anger the unknown male was inside. Officers entered the bathroom and began knocking on the stall door where the male, later identified as Angel Hernandez-Flores, 37, of East Boston was located. Officers observed Flores was moving about as he tried to pull his pants up. Officers asked Flores why he was in the women's restroom and he replied he was confused and did not realize it was for women. Flores was removed from the stall and escorted out of the bathroom. Once outside officers were approached by witnesses and a victim who stated while inside the bathroom stall Flores was attempting to peer, both over and under, the partition wall while women and children were using the toilet. ( This occurred after Disney on Ice show ended).

Flores was placed into custody and transported to TPD HQ for the arrest booking process. Flores will face Annoying & Accosting and Disorderly Conduct charges.

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

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

Identification sought. Please contact us with any info.

If you know the whereabouts or identity of this individual please contact our Criminal Investigations Unit at 617-222-1050. If you would like to assist our investigators but wish to remain anonymous you can always text us your tip to 873873 or use the anonymous feature on our SeeSay app

The subject depicted within are wanted for questioning relative to a Lewd Act that occurred at Downtown Crossing MBTA Station, Chauncey Street on or about Wednesday, February 13, 2019.

 

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

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

Identification Sought Re: Open & Gross Investigation

If you know the whereabouts or identity of this individual please contact our Criminal Investigations Unit at 617-222-1050. If you would like to assist our investigators but wish to remain anonymous you can always text us your tip to 873873 or use the anonymous feature on our SeeSay app

   

The subject depicted within is wanted for questioning relative to an Open & Gross, Lewdness, inside the Salem Commuter Rail Station Garage on Thursday, January 24, 2019, at approximately 10:45 PM. The subject boarded a MBTA bus at Lynn Commuter Rail Station prior to arriving at Salem Commuter Rail Station

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

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

Malden Man wanted for Aggravated Assault & Battery resulting in serious injuries.

KAMARI  KEYSHAWN PARKER

DOB: 04/08/1997

Kamari Parker

Kamari Parker is wanted for an Aggravated Assault & Battery at Sullivan Square MBTA Station on Wednesday, February, 13, 2019 that resulted in serious injuries to the victim. 

If you have information on his whereabouts please contact Transit Police Operations at 617-222-1212 or TPD Criminal Investigations Unit at 617-222-1050. If you wish to remain anonymous you can text us at 873873 or use our SeeSay app. If you encounter him please call 911 or 617-222-1212.

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

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

North Reading Man sentenced in Hate Crime

District Attorney Rollins: Verdict Proves Hate Has No Place in Suffolk County

Prosecutors Will Seek Reconsideration of Retroactive Sentence, DA Says

BOSTON, Feb. 15, 2019—The day after a North Reading man was convicted of hate crimes and other offenses for a 2017 assault on a woman from Morocco, Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins said “there is no place for hate and bigotry in our city.”

After a two-day jury-waived trial in Suffolk Superior Court, SEAN DEVLIN, 35, was found guilty yesterday of violating the victim’s constitutional rights, assault and battery for purpose of intimidation, assault and battery on a person over 60, and wanton destruction of property.

“Everyone is welcome in Boston and Suffolk County,” District Attorney Rollins said. “The defendant’s actions were unconscionable and unacceptable, and the verdict reflects that. But I want to point out and thank the people who stood up for the victim and defended her rights at every step of this case. From MBTA passengers, who witnessed the assault and testified at trial, to Transit Police investigators to Suffolk prosecutors and victim advocates, they proved that racial and religious intolerance have no home here.”

            At a sentencing hearing today, Assistant District Attorney David Wittenberg recommended a three-year prison term – the maximum penalty for the most serious offense – followed by two years of probation with orders that Devlin undergo evaluations for substance use and mental health, remain alcohol free, undergo drug treatment and screening as deemed necessary, and perform 100 hours of community service after participating in a diversity program for hate crime defendants.

            Suffolk Superior Court Judge Janet Sanders imposed one year of probation following two years in a house of correction, but ordered that sentence nunc pro tunc – or retroactive – to the date of his arrest, making him eligible for release in four months. Because most of the time Devlin spent behind bars since that time was for Middlesex County convictions and not for consequences stemming from his behavior in this Suffolk County case, District Attorney Rollins said she would seek reconsideration of that decision and appeal it if necessary.

            “The sentence as it was imposed does not reflect the seriousness of these offenses,” District Attorney Rollins said. “Hate crimes spread fear across entire neighborhoods and communities. There are legal and moral reasons Devlin ought to serve a significant Suffolk County sentence for a serious Suffolk County crime.” 

At trial, prosecutors proved that Devlin was riding an Orange Line train on June 19, 2017, when he began shouting anti-Muslim slurs at the 61-year-old victim, who was wearing a hijab as she returned from a prayer service during Ramadan. Devlin mocked the woman, telling her to take it off and return to her country.

“This is my country,” responded the woman, a resident of East Boston who had emigrated from Morocco and recently became an American citizen.

The evidence further showed that Devlin accused the woman of having a bomb in her bag and punched a window near her head, breaking it. As the woman left the train in fear, Devlin struck her.

In an impact statement following the verdict, the woman told the court that she felt tense and afraid in the days and weeks following the assault.

“I used to cry daily and pray for justice,” she said through an interpreter. “Why would someone attack me just for wearing something different? I am so thankful my rights were taken seriously … I am here for peace, tranquility, and safety.”

After thanking the court through the interpreter, she spoke one more sentence – this time in English.

“God bless America,” she said.

--30--

All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.