A 29-year-old registered sex offender was arrested Thursday on charges he took cell phone photos up a woman's skirt Wednesday at a shopping complex in Wareham, police said.

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A digest of news stories from around New England.

After James J. Smith, 37, of Easthampton, was arrested by FBI agents on Thursday, an affidavit filed in U.S. District Court in connection with the case provided a disturbing window into how an alleged network of child pornography fans found one another and fed their penchants for the most "taboo" images.

SPRINGFIELD - They are fathers and grandfathers, abused turned abusers, able to mine Internet chat sites and messaging boards to find others like them. They stealthily feed their appetites for child pornography.

After James J. Smith, 37, of Easthampton, was arrested by FBI agents on Thursday, an affidavit filed in U.S. District Court in connection with the case provided a disturbing window into how an alleged network of child pornography fans found one another in their quests for the most "taboo" images.

Smith was previously charged in Hampshire Superior Court with one count of posing or exhibiting a child in a state of nudity or sexual conduct; two counts of possession of child pornography; and 11 counts of dissemination of child pornography. He pleaded not guilty in March and was released on bail.

In federal court, Smith has been charged with offering to receive material involving the sexual exploitation of minors. The charge carries a 15-year to life sentence, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven H. Breslow. Smith was held without bail on Thursday pending a detention hearing on Tuesday.

According to the complaint filed in federal court, investigators in 2014 seized Smith's cell phone and found several images of a 7-year-old girl in various states of undress in various sexual poses. Court records indicate he knew the girl personally. Police identified the child's bedding and a distinctive towel from the photos, records state.

Others among the more than 13,000 images investigators recovered from his phone and computer were gleaned from the alleged exchanging revealed in the complaint. That was drafted by Northampton police officer Corey J. Robinson, an Internet crimes joint task force member.

The online trading was wedged between family gatherings, or when a spouse was at work, or after one man finished baby-sitting his grandchildren, according to the complaint.

Smith used about a half-dozen email accounts to communicate with other child porn seekers, court records state. In 2014, investigators said he used the handle chubvers@gmail.com to post the following to Craigslist:

"I am a 30 yo white cute chubby male who is very interested in taboo pom, incest, cartoon pom and anything scene (sic) as different. I was touched as a child and would love to hear stories trade pics ;) Nothing is over the top for me. Would love to meet someone or a group who are like minded. Bi, straight or gay. Any size or color. Have talked to a few cool people but would like to meet someone really into this that knows how it is to have been touched as a kid and didn't hate it."

The post drew at least seven responses from others with similar stories and tastes; the FBI eventually tracked the exchanges. The complaint outlines many between Smith and other users who describe graphic encounters with family members when they were young, and with younger ones as they grew older.

"What's the youngest you like?" Smith asked one responder, according to the court records. "I have pics but they are mostly 10 or younger. Don't know if you'd like them or not."

Days later, the unidentified responder sends a message that reads, in part:

"Ever have a (step) dad share (daughter) pics? I met a hotshot NY lawyer he is divorced and his very hot daughter lives with him and he has like a million hidden cameras around the house."

"I wish I had a camera like that. Oh God," Smith answers, according to the complaint.

The dialogue goes on for pages and pages. It includes exchanges between Smith and another man who is only identified as a 58-year-old man from Southampton who "babysits his grandkids." The older man repeatedly offers to "host" Smith when he has "reprieves from baby-sitting."

In a separate conversation Smith told another user he was unable to meet the man at a hotel because he was hosting a UFC watching party. In another instance, Smith exchanges many messages with a 17-year-old girl he knows over a "modeling job," involving a professional photographer friend of his who wants to take her picture, the court records state.

Smith asks her to send scantily clad "selfies" when she refuses to take nude photos, according to the complaint. Smith later tells her the "modeling job" will entail skimpy costumes with "Star Wars" and superhero themes, the sworn statement says. The record also includes the following excerpt, regarding the "photographer" who was scheduled for the shoot:

"Minor B:" Okay he's not gonna kno I'm 17?"

Smith: "Umm what's better left unsaid to him the better."

Investigators said they interviewed the girl, who said the photo shoot never happened.

Smith will appear in U.S. District Court on Tuesday for a detention hearing. The government has moved to keep him behind bars pending trial while Smith's defense lawyer said he will oppose detention.

The 15-year-old girl, whose name has not been released by authorities, is identified only as "Golda" on the GoFundMe page, which was established for the victim Friday afternoon.

SPRINGFIELD — A GoFundMe page has been set up for the teenage girl who died in a shooting in the city's North End Thursday night.

The 15-year-old girl, whose name has not been released by authorities, is identified only as "Golda" on the GoFundMe page, which was established for the victim Friday afternoon. By 5:40 p.m., over $500 had been raised to help cover funeral costs.

The girl was shot just after 8 p.m. Thursday at a Plainfield Street apartment in the neighborhood's Brightwood section. She died late Friday morning, according to Springfield police, who charged a 17-year-old boy in connection with the incident.

Police said the victim was friends with the shooter, who may have accidentally discharged the gun that killed the girl. A source told The Republican that the 17-year-old was the girl's boyfriend.

The GoFundMe page states:

Today we lost a good friend, a loving soul, unexpectedly. We are trying to raise money so she can be laid to rest properly. All funds will be given to her mother so she can arrange everything.

Anyone who knew Golda knows she was a loving, outgoing female, and she is already beyond missed. Please help us help her family lay her to rest.

Hampden Selectman John D. Flynn said the warrant for the Hampden town meeting has been closed, so the proposal will not come before the Hampden residents this spring.

HAMPDEN - Members of the Hampden Board of Selectmen told Wilbraham selectmen at a Friday afternoon meeting they are not ready to support the closing of Thornton Burgess Middle School.

Hampden Selectmen Chairman Vincent Villamaino said, "This is a community of 5,100 people, and we like our two schools."

He added that many of the older people in town have expressed their opposition to closing Thornton Burgess Middle School.

A Middle School Task Force and the Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School Committee had recommended closing Thornton Burgess Middle School due to declining enrollment and educating all middle school students in the district at Wilbraham Middle School.

The vote would require approval at town meetings. Due to opposition from Hampden residents, the School Committee decided to postpone bringing the proposal forward this spring.

Wilbraham selectmen responded by asking the Hampden selectmen to bring the proposal forward, saying regionalization would improve the quality of education the school district could afford to offer.

Hampden Selectman John D. Flynn said the warrant for the Hampden town meeting has been closed, so the proposal will not come before the Hampden residents this spring.

Hampden Selectman Norman Charest said residents in Hampden want to keep Thornton Burgess Middle School open, want a good education for their children and want to keep the character of the town.

Thornton Burgess is part of the character of the town, he said.

Charest said he would like to see the school district consider other possible educational models which do not include closing Thornton Burgess Middle School.

Hampden selectmen said they would consider holding a town wide vote on the issue in September for the following year.

"Let the people of Hampden decide," Villamaino said. He added, "I am not here to jam this down anybody's throat."

If Hampden residents vote no, the School Committee will have to propose another solution, Flynn said.

James Smith, a former selectman, said there is an enrollment decline now, but it could turn around in the future.

Boilard said Wilbraham once closed Stony Hill Elementary School, but later had to reopen it.

Villamaino said the School Committee should have brought more than one solution to the table.

Lisa Sternberg of Hampden suggested that an addition could be built to Thornton Burgess or modular classrooms added to make TWB large enough to educate all 7th and 8th graders in the school district.

"This could be looked at in a broader way,' she said.

The Springfield Fire Department responded to a house fire at the corner of Sumner Avenue and Rittenhouse Terrace late Friday afternoon.

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Fire Department rescued a cat from a burning building in the Forest Park neighborhood late Friday afternoon.

Neighborhood residents reported seeing flames and smoke coming from a home on Sumner Avenue, and a man exiting through a first-floor window.

The fire began in a first-floor bedroom and was caused by "careless disposal of smoking materials," Springfield Fire Department spokesman Dennis G. Leger said. There were no injuries in the fire, said Leger, who estimated damages of around $20,000.

Firefighters rescued a cat from the charred house and returned the pet to its owners, Leger said.

The residence is at the corner of Sumner Avenue and Rittehnouse Terrace.

MAP showing approximate location of fire:

Westfield police had sought the public's help in locating Kelsey Murry, 26, of 451 Hillsdie Road, Westfield. She was actively seeking assistance for an illness, police said.

WESTFIELD - A missing 26-year-old woman is reported to be safe and receiving care, Westfield police report.

Police had sought the public's help in locating Kelsey Murry, 26, of 451 Hillside Road.

Police said it appeared she left her home at 451 Hillside Road sometime after 11 p.m. Thursday and sometime before 6:45 a.m. Friday.

She was actively seeking assistance for an illness, McCabe said.

The woman, who was described as being 5 feet, 7 inches tall and approximately 130 pounds, with blue eyes and dirty blonde or brown hair, was found safe and is receiving care, Police Capt. Michael McCabe said.

Oil prices climbed about 7 percent this week as the dollar got weaker.

By MARLEY JAY

NEW YORK -- A surge in the price of oil sent energy companies higher on Friday, but U.S. stocks got only a small boost overall as retailers suffered big losses.

Stocks rose in morning trading as oil prices climbed, and the Dow Jones industrial average jumped more than 150 points early on. Retailers skidded as investors worried about reports from Gap and L Brands. Biotech drugmakers returned some of their gains from earlier in the week.

Oil prices climbed about 7 percent this week as the dollar got weaker. The price of oil has seesawed as investors hope energy producing companies will cut production. Experts aren't sure the gains will last.

"If this fizzles out in a week or so I think you could see oil prices roll over," said Steve Chiavarone, associated portfolio manager for Federated Investors.

The Dow picked up 35 points, or 0.2 percent, to 17,576.96. The Standard & Poor's 500 index rose 5.69 points, or 0.3 percent, to 2,047.60. The Nasdaq composite index eked out a gain of 2.32 points, or less than 0.1 percent, to 4,850.69.

Benchmark U.S. crude rose $2.46, or 6.6 percent, to $39.72 a barrel in New York. Brent crude, used to price international oils, gained $2.51, or 6.4 percent, to $41.94 a barrel in London.

ConocoPhillips picked up 92 cents, or 2.3 percent, to $41.23 and Murphy Oil advanced $1.25, or 5.1 percent, to $25.69.

Oil prices recovered this week, and Chiavarone said that's partly because the Federal Reserve is stressing that it will raise interest rates slowly. That makes the dollar weaker, and investors think that means demand for oil will go up.

Gap said all three of its major chains saw their sales drop in March, and added that levels of product inventory are high, which could lead to bigger discounts that will hurt its profits. Meanwhile L Brands said it will restructure its Victoria's Secret brand and eliminate about 200 corporate jobs.

Gap plunged $3.83, or 13.8 percent, to $23.85 and L Brands stock lost $3.65, or 4.3 percent, to $80.50. The companies' statements and their losses hurt companies that sell everything from athletic apparel to handbags to watches to department store chains. Macy's gave up 94 cents, or 2.3 percent, to $39.68. Under Armour lost 87 cents, or 2 percent, to $43.54.

Analyst Simeon Siegel of Nomura Securities said Gap and L Brands both reported decent sales, and their problems don't suggest big trouble for retailers in general.

"Everything gets lumped in together," he said. He added that retail stocks have made big gains recently. "For the past few weeks we've had this incredible rally that really wasn't predicated on any results," he said.

Pain drug maker Depomed rose after activist investment firm Starboard Value disclosed a 9.8 percent stake in the company, making it one of Depomed's largest shareholders. Last year Horizon Pharma tried to buy Depomed for about $1.1 billion, or $33 per share, but Depomed fended off that effort and Horizon dropped it in November. Depomed's stock jumped $1.95, or 13 percent, to $16.95.

Biotech drugmakers retreated. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals lost $13.43, or 3.2 percent, to $404.94 and Biogen declined $2.21, or 0.8 percent, to $270.83. Those stocks logged their biggest gain in almost five years on Wednesday, but have suffered big losses since July.

Specialty glass maker Corning said it will buy optical components maker Alliance Fiber Optic Products for $18.50 per share, or $305 million. Alliance stock surged $2.99, or 19.3 percent, to $18.45. Corning dipped 13 cents to $20.53.

Ruby Tuesday tumbled 62 cents, or 11.9 percent, to $4.60. The restaurant chain's earnings were disappointing and it cut its forecasts. The company also said its chief financial officer will leave to take a job with another company.

The price of gold rose $6.30 to $1,242.50 an ounce. Silver gained 23 cents, or 1.5 percent, to $15.38 an ounce. Copper edged up 1 cent to $2.02 a pound.

Energy prices rallied in late February and march as investors hoped that major oil-producing nations will agree to freeze production levels in mid-April. But Chaivarone said they may be disappointed, and if a deal doesn't emerge, he thinks oil prices could fall back to around $30 a barrel.

In other energy trading, wholesale gasoline rose 8 cents, or 6 percent, to $1.46 a gallon. Heating oil jumped 7 cents, or 6.6 percent, to $1.20 a gallon. Natural gas slipped 3 cents to $1.99 per 1,000 cubic feet.

The yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury note rose to 1.72 percent from 1.69 percent. The dollar rose to 108.33 yen from 108.24 yen. The euro inched up to $1.1397 from $1.1377.

Stocks in Europe rallied. France's CAC 40 rose 1.4 percent and the FTSE 100 in Britain climbed 1.1 percent. Germany's DAX added 1 percent. Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 index finished 0.5 percent higher. South Korea's Kospi dipped 0.1 percent. Hong Kong's Hang Seng rose 0.5 percent.

The 33-year-old Lawrence woman will be summonsed to Woburn District Court on charges of driving to endanger, marked-lanes violation and "sending or reading text messages while operating a motor vehicle," North Reading Police Chief Michael P. Murphy said.

NORTH READING — A Lawrence woman who caused a head-on collision in North Reading was texting while driving, according to police, who have filed charges against her.

The 33-year-old woman, whose name was not publicly released, will be summonsed to Woburn District Court on charges of driving to endanger, marked-lanes violation and "sending or reading text messages while operating a motor vehicle," North Reading Police Chief Michael P. Murphy said Friday.

The crash happened around 4:40 p.m. Wednesday near the intersection of Lowell Road and North Street (Route 62). The Lawrence woman and the driver of the other vehicle both sustained non-life-threatening injuries, Murphy said.

The Lawrence woman was eastbound in a Toyota Camry when she crossed the double-yellow line and crashed into a westbound Jeep, police said. A witness who was behind the Toyota recorded the incident after noticing the woman's "reckless driving prior to the crash," police said.

"Thankfully, no one was seriously injured in this crash," Murphy said. "We remind motorists to stay off their electronic devices while driving, even if you're sitting in traffic, at a stop light or programming your GPS. The video of the crash shows just what a second of distracted driving can cause. It's just not worth it."

Police in North Reading are among the more than 200 Massachusetts law enforcement agenices set to participate in a state-sponsored Distracted Driving Enforcement Campaign, which runs from April 8 through April 29.

State law prohibits drivers from writing, sending or reading electronic messages, using apps, and browsing the Internet while they are driving or stopped in traffic. Operators under 18 are banned from using mobile phones and other electronic devices while driving. Violators could face a $500 fine or lose their driver's license.

A two-year federal investigation revealed that Fernandes headed an elaborate and immensely profitable drug trafficking operation.

BOSTON — A Brockton man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in connection with an elaborate, cross-country drug trafficking operation.

Miguel Fernandes, 40, who pleaded guilty in January to multiple counts of conspiracy to distribute drugs and launder money, was sentenced to 12 years in prison and 4 years of supervised release.

A two-year federal investigation revealed that Fernandes headed an elaborate and immensely profitable drug trafficking operation responsible for moving large amounts of cocaine and marijuana from Los Angeles to Boston.

Fernandez, who used to live in California under the alias "Orlando Sanchez," allegedly acquired the drugs from sources in Los Angeles, then trafficked them across the country using the U.S. Postal Service and various other methods.

In addition to trafficking, Fernandes and his criminal associates laundered $5 million dollars in drug money through 40 different "funnel accounts" – bank accounts controlled by other people who were responsible for storing Fernandes's money.

Officials stated that Fernandes reaped enormous benefits from his drug trafficking and money laundering operations. In addition to his prison sentences, Fernandes was ordered to forfeit to the state $1 million and a 2007 mint-condition Ferrari upon the time of his arrest.

Friday's court filing is the first time prosecutors have confirmed Dennis Hastert paid hush-money to conceal sex abuse of a 14-year-old.

CHICAGO (AP) -- Dennis Hastert agreed to pay $3.5 million to a person the former House speaker sexually abused when the victim was 14 years old and Hastert was working as a high-school teacher and wrestling coach outside Chicago, prosecutors said in a court filing Friday that gave accounts of four alleged sex-abuse victims.

The filing is the first time prosecutors have confirmed Hastert paid hush-money to conceal sex abuse of a 14-year-old, identified in court documents as "Individual A." The filing recommends that a federal judge sentence Hastert to up to six months in prison. The sex abuse allegations outlined in the filing occurred when Hastert was working at Yorkville High School in the small-town suburb of Yorkville from 1965 to 1981, before he went into politics.

"While defendant achieved great success, reaping all the benefits that went with it, these boys struggled, and all are still struggling now with what defendant did to them. Some have managed better than others, but all of them carry the scars defendant inflicted upon them," the filing says.

The 74-year-old Republican managed to keep any hint of sexual misconduct quiet throughout a political career that carried him from the Illinois Legislature to the halls of Congress and eventually to the speaker's office, where he was second in the line of succession to the presidency.

Hastert pleaded guilty in October to breaking banking laws as he sought to pay $3.7 million to someone referred to as Individual A to ensure the person kept quiet about Hastert's past misconduct.

Individual A is one of at least four people cited in Friday's filing as saying that Hastert sexually abused them as children. Three were wrestlers on a team Hastert coached and the fourth was a student-manager. Another wrestler said Hastert touched his genitals while he was on a locker room massage table, but he wasn't sure if it was intentional.

According to the document, Individual A told prosecutors the abuse occurred in a motel room on the way home from a trip to wrestling camp. Between 10 and 14 boys were on the trip. Hastert, the only adult on the trip, told the 14-year-old that he would stay in his room while the other boys stayed in a different room. Individual A said Hastert touched him inappropriately after suggesting he would massage a groin injury the boy had complained about earlier.

The other former wrestlers told prosecutors Hastert touched them in the locker room at Yorkville High, after saying he would give them massages. Two of those wrestlers, who were ages 14 and 17, say Hastert performed sex acts on them.

Hastert's "history and characteristics are marred by stunning hypocrisy," prosecutors wrote. He made his victims "feel alone, ashamed, guilty and devoid of dignity."

The filing added: "It is profoundly sad that one of their earliest sexual experiences was in the form of abuse by a man whom they trusted and whom they revered as a mentor and coach."

A defense filing Wednesday asked the presiding judge to give Hastert probation and spare him prison time. It cited Hastert's deteriorating health, as well as the public shame he's already suffered.

The case has been shrouded in secrecy since the May 2015 indictment. Prosecutors only confirmed at a March hearing that sex-abuse claims were at its core.

Hastert made 15 withdrawals of $50,000 -- for a total of $750,000 -- from 2010 to 2012. It's what he did next that made his actions a crime. After learning withdrawals over $10,000 are flagged, he withdrew cash in smaller increments, taking out $952,000 from 2012 to 2014.

Court records say Hastert managed to pay $1.7 million to Individual A -- handing it over in lump sums of $100,000 cash -- starting in 2010. The payments abruptly stopped late in 2014 after FBI agents questioned Hastert about his massive cash withdrawals.

Hastert left Yorkville High for the state Legislature in 1981. He entered Congress in 1987. His reputation for congeniality helped him ascend to become the longest-serving Republican speaker. He retired in 2007 after running the chamber for eight years.

Wednesday's defense filing said Hastert is devastated by his public disgrace and was especially hurt by the removal of his portrait from the U.S. Capitol. It added he was apologetic and "overwhelmed" by guilt. But it offers no detail on what he feels guilty about.

Days after pleading guilty on Oct. 28, Hastert entered the hospital and nearly died from a blood infection, his lawyers have said. They've also said he had a stroke and required in-home care to help him dress and complete other basic tasks.

The Unify Against Bullying Fashion Show rocked the runway for a good cause Friday evening in the Paper City.

HOLYOKE -- The Unify Against Bullying Fashion Show rocked the runway for a good cause Friday evening in the Paper City.

Presented by Robert Charles Photography, the event sold out for a second year in a row with more than 500 in attendance, according to organizers.

The show, which broke new ground in anti-bullying fundraising in 2015, aimed to set the bar even higher this year with a cast of students from 23 high schools from Hartford to Northampton.

Edward Zemba, Unify Against Bullying's president, said he registered Unify Against Bullying as a 501(c)3 charity after finding out that there were no Western Massachusetts organizations that specifically handled bullying issues.

"Bullying has gotten a lot worse, and it's a lot harder dealing with it as a parent," said Zemba, who co-owns Robert Charles Photography in East Longmeadow.

After Zemba and volunteers established Unity Against Bullying, they were able to use money they raised at last year's fashion show to award grants to people seeking funding for proposals that will work against bullying in Western Mass.

This year, the event raised more than $20,000, Zemba announced during Friday's event. 

The Unify Fashion Show celebrated young people of every size, race, sexual orientation and gender identity, Zemba said.

"We want to celebrate (diversity), we want to say 'you're awesome because of who you are,'" Zemba said.

Check out photos from the 2015 Unify Against Bullying Fashion Show at the link below.

BOSTON — A New York man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Boston for his role in a fake lottery scheme that conned victims by telling them they had won millions of dollars but would first have to pay taxes to him to claim their winnings. Wilder Vladimir Merelan, 29, who is from West Hempstead, New York, pleaded...

Wilder Vladimir Merelan, 29, who is from West Hempstead, New York, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud on Friday.

Between 2012 and 2015, Merelan posed as a "sub agent" for the IRS and worked together with several criminal associates to solicit more than $830,000 from approximately 16 individuals. The unsuspecting victims were asked to mail checks or wire funds to Merelan, who would then keep some of the money, while giving the remaining amounts to his criminal accomplices.

Those targeted for the scam were predominantly older in age, ranging from 69 to 91 years old.

Merelan will be sentenced on Aug. 10, 2016. He could receive up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.

Davila, who was known as "Daney" or "Golda" by friends, was initially listed in serious but stable condition at a local hospital. However, her health deteriorated overnight and she was pronounced dead Friday morning, according to authorities, who continue to investigate.

SPRINGFIELD — Family and friends are mourning the death of 15-year-old Daneyshkalis Davila, who was shot in Springfield's North End on Thursday night.

Davila, who was known as "Daney" or "Golda" by her friends, was initially listed in serious but stable condition at a local hospital. However, her health deteriorated overnight and she was pronounced dead Friday morning, according to authorities, who continue to investigate.

A 17-year-old boy has been charged in connection with the shooting, which police believe may have been accidental. The identity of the boy, who was reportedly friends with Davila, has not been publicly released. He was arraigned Friday in Juvenile Court and may face additional charges, police said.

Gladymar Gomez, one of Davila's close friends, took to Facebook to talk about her loss.

"When everybody ... bullied me and made me feel like I wasn't nothing, you made me feel like everything, Daney. This can't be true. I'm in total disbelief, like I can't ... believe this. Rest easy and guide me always," Gomez said.

"I just wish I can just rewind this day over and be in front of that bullet and save her," Kieraa Riveraa said.

Meanwhile, dozens of people gathered Friday evening outside Davila's apartment on Plainfield Street in the neighborhood's Brightwood section, where they lit candles, left mementos and released balloons into the sky in honor of the teenager.

Davila was a freshman at Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy.

The boy is for now facing unlawful weapons charges, and Hampden DA Anthony Gulluni is reviewing possible additional charges.

UPDATE, Friday, April 8, 2016, 6:20 p.m.: A GoFundMe page has been set up for the teenage girl who died in a shooting in the city's North End Thursday night.
A new story has been posted »

This is an update of a story that was posted at 2:45 p.m. Friday

SPRINGFIELD — A 15-year-old girl is dead and a 17-year-old teen is in custody as a result of a possible accidental shooting Thursday night on Plainfield Street in the city's Brightwood section, police said.

The girl died Friday morning at the hospital as a result of a single gunshot injury. Her name will not be publicly released until all family members are notified, police said.

The 17-year-old boy was taken into custody Friday morning on unlawful weapons charges, according to police spokesman Sgt. John Delaney. He was arraigned Friday morning in Springfield Juvenile Court and remains in custody.

His name is not being released because of his age. Delaney said other charges may be filed against him shortly, but for now he is not charged with the girl's death.

Detectives believe the boy did not intend to shoot the girl, but the handgun discharged accidentally, Delaney said. Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni is reviewing the case and communicating with detectives in the police Major Crimes Unit to determine what course to pursue.

Delaney said the gun belonged to the 17-year-old.

In Massachusetts, no one under 21 can have a license to carry a firearm, and need to be 18 to apply for a firearms identification card without parental consent.

Police have not said where the teen got the gun.

Delaney would not say if police have recovered the weapon.

The shooting occurred at about 8 p.m. Thursday inside an apartment at 212 Plainfield St. Police and EMTs performed first aid and rushed the girl to the hospital.

At least one adult and other children were at the home when the shooting occurred, police said.

The shooting victim was initially listed in stable condition but her condition apparently worsened overnight.

Delaney said detectives, under the command of Capt. Trent Duda, quickly determined how the shooting occurred and identified the parties involved. They were told by witnesses that the 17-year-old appeared distraught after the shooting and ran off.

Police searched for him overnight and found him just before noon Friday.

A GoFundMe page has been set up for the teenage girl who died in a shooting in the city's North End Thursday night.

These were the most read stories on MassLive.com yesterday. If you missed any of them, click on the links below to read them now. The most viewed photo gallery was Fred Gore's Seen@ Springfield Museums Festival of Flowers Culture & Cocktails gala, above.

1. Inmate pleads guilty in Shirley jail killing: 'While I was beating him, I decided to do it until he was dead' [Lindsay Corcoran]
2. Girl, 15, shot Thursday night in Springfield's North End, dies of injuries [Patrick Johnson]
3. GoFundMe page established for Springfield girl who was fatally shot in city's North End [Conor Berry]
4. Westfield police: Kelsey Murry, missing Hillside Road woman, may pose danger to herself [George Graham]
5. In wake of incriminating report, Northampton restaurant workers share their stories of wage theft, sexual harassment [Laura Newberry]

The prosecutor asked Judge William Boyle to impose $250,000 cash bail on both defendants, citing the amount of cocaine seized and the lengthy prison sentences they face if convicted.

SPRINGFIELD - A Springfield couple is being held on $250,000 bail each after police allegedly seized more than 300 grams of cocaine from their Chestnut Towers apartment.

Luis Santiago, 48, and Maria Serrano, 54, pleaded not guilty to cocaine trafficking in excess of 200 grams and violating a drug-free school zone during their arraignment Friday in Springfield District Court.

Springfield narcotics detectives confiscated 315 grams of cocaine and $15,025 in cash Thursday night after obtaining a search warrant for the couple's 18th-floor apartment, Assistant District Attorney Cary Szafranski said.

In addition, investigators are moving to seize more than $20,000 held in a bank account by Santiago, Szafranski said.

The prosecutor asked Judge William Boyle to set bail at $250,000 for both defendants, citing the amount of cocaine seized and the lengthy prison sentences they face if convicted.

Defense lawyer Joseph Franco asked for Serrano's release on $5,000 bail, with conditions including wearing an electronic monitoring bracelet and reporting regularly to the Probation Department.

Serrano was not selling cocaine and had no access to the safe where the contraband was found, Franco said.

Boyle set bail at $250,000 each, and continued the case for a pretrial hearing next month.

Voting for the April 11 election is at Ware Town Hall, 126 Main St., from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

WARE - A race for selectman and three non-binding ballot questions, including one on a potential charter review, will be decided at Monday's annual town election.

There are no candidates on the ballot for a 3-year term on the board of health.

Voting for the April 11 election is at Ware Town Hall, 126 Main St., from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Michael P. Fountain is challenging incumbent selectman Richard A. Norton for a 3-year term on the board of selectmen.

The three non-binding ballot questions are as follows:

"Do you support Maintaining the Town Manager/ Board of Selectmen form of government? OR, Amending the Charter to return to a Town Administrator/ Board of Selectmen form of government?"

"Do you support the removal of the Fire Chief position and the Police Chief position from Civil Service?"

"Do you support continuing to fund water and sewer services and improvements through an enterprise system, i.e., through user fees rather than the tax rate?"

The public is invited to view 'The Quiet Man' at CityStage on April 10, that is part of events marking the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising of 1916.

SPRINGFIELD -- The public is invited to attend a free showing of the movie "The Quiet Man" on Sunday, April 10, at 2 p.m., at CityStage.

 

CityStage is at 1 Columbus Center downtown.

The reminder of the showing came from Mayor Domenic J. Sarno's office, and the city's Department of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management.

The city's release gives the following summary.

"Take a step back in time and enjoy a relaxing afternoon watching the film, The Quiet Man (1952). The movie's director, John Ford, offers a loving, sentimental, nostalgic tribute to his Irish ancestry and homeland in this epic romantic comedy. Filmed mostly on location in Ireland, this rich, beautifully textured Technicolor presentation is most deserving of its Color Cinematography award. Ford considered the rollicking comedy love story one of his favorite films. The memorable plot depicts the collision course between an Irish-American boxer (Wayne) and a mean, local bully (Victor McLaglen). The pair becomes further entangled when (Wayne) falls in love with (Victor McLaglen's) feisty, red-haired, materialistic sister (Maureen O'Hara), who refuses to consummate her marriage without her dowry - 350 Irish pounds in gold."

Obituaries from The Republican.

Renee Herbert 

Renee (Thibeault) Herbert, of West Springfield, died Tuesday. She was born in Springfield and grew up in West Springfield and Webster, graduating from Bartlett High School in 1988. After receiving a nursing degree, she became a licensed practical nurse. She loved her children more than anything. She was interested in skydiving, drawing, music, the beach and her extended family, especially her grandmother, Norma Henault. Friends and family describe her as beautiful inside and out.

Full obituary and funeral arrangements for Renee Herbert »

The witness, who was playing a video game in the backseat, saw the barrel of the gun but not the shooter, police said.

These were the top stories out of Springfield District Court this week. If you missed any, click on the links below to read them now.

Bail revoked for reputed Springfield gang member, 25, with 31-page criminal and driving record

Botched drug robbery led to Springfield murder, 16-year-old defendant tells police

Surveillance video shows 'blast of light' as Ludlow man suffers fatal gunshot wound

Despite latest arrest, Springfield dad 'needs to be back home with his (8) kids,' defense lawyer says

Tour de Felony? Bike-riding suspect pedals way to drug arrest in Springfield

Springfield woman, 20, denies kidnapping, assaulting 2 victims at house party