The opioid epidemic has increasingly harmed Massachusetts children and families in recent years, and now a new program is being launched to care for addiction's youngest victims.

The opioid epidemic has increasingly harmed Massachusetts children and families in recent years, and now a new program is being launched to care for addiction's youngest victims.

The initiative, part of the federal Early Head Start program, will help 36 low-income families in New Bedford, the Boston Globe reports -- a community with elevated rates of babies born dependent on opioids.

Meeting Street, a Providence-based nonprofit, will arrange weekly home visits to the families to provide help with education, health, prenatal care and other services, according to the Globe. The program aims to help children suffering from all forms of neglect and abuse, but priority will be given to children affected by addiction.

"If you've got an opiate issue, you're going to go right to the top of the list," Meeting Street President John Kelly told the Globe.

The program is being funded by a $324,000 federal grant administered by the state Department of Public Health. A DPH spokesman did not immediately return a request for comment from MassLive.

One-thousand and five people died from opioids in Massachusetts from January to September 2016, excluding suicides, according to figures released by the state's Department of Public Health in November. That rate exceeds the first nine months of 2015.

In all, 1,574 people died from opioid overdoses in 2015.

But beyond the overdose totals, addiction has taken an harsh toll on Massachusetts' children, often above national rates.

Nationally, the number of babies born dependent on opioids -- what doctors call neonatal abstinence syndrome -- tripled in 15 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 1999, NAS cases were 1.5 per 1,000 hospital births. By 2013, that number jumped to 6 per 1,000 births.

And Massachusetts has more than double the NAS rate of the country at large. In 2012, there were 12.5 NAS cases per 1,000 births. And while 2012 is the most recent data available, experts think that number has continued to increase.

In Springfield, 10 percent of patients in Baystate Medical Center's neonatal intensive care unit suffer from NAS, Dr. Rachana Singh told MassLive.

"We unfortunately are one of the higher numbers in the country," said Singh, who has led Baystate's NICU for nearly 11 years.

Beyond medical problems, opioid addiction has also led to more children being removed from the families in Massachusetts courts.

There has a 56 percent increase in child protection cases since 2012, according to statistics provided by juvenile court officials -- driven both by addiction and increased enforcement by the Department of Children and Families following a series of child deaths in 2014 that put DCF under intense scrutiny.

In child removal cases, the goal is typically to reach a settlement with the family to improve quality of life and reunite them with their children, Franklin-Hampshire Juvenile Court Judge James Collins said.

But addiction has made that more difficult. Before the opioid crisis, about two-thirds of care and protection orders ended with the reunification of families after parents addressed the state's concerns, Collins said. Now that number is about 50 percent, and only four in 10 cases involving opioid use now end in reunification.

The Globe reports that Meeting Street is hiring five staffers for the New Bedford program, which is designed to use the intimacy of home visits to make a stronger impact and connect families with needed services.

Police found as many as 6 shell casings outside and some damage to the home.

File photo via Pixelbay 

SPRINGFIELD - A house on Appleton Street in the city's Forest Park neighborhood was struck by gunfire early Monday but there were no reports of any injuries, police said.

Police were called to the home at 69 Appleton for reports of gunfire just before 5 a.m., said police spokesman Sgt. John Delaney.

Officers found as many as six shell casings in front of the home and some damage to the exterior, he said.

There have been no arrests, and the incident remains under investigation, he said.
He said the gunfire may have something to do with a domestic dispute.

Appleton Street runs between Dickinson and Tiffany streets.

When Columbia Gas crews complete replacement of individual gas service pipes on Converse Street in Longmeadow, they will begin work replacing a gas main.

LONGMEADOW -- Phase one of a gas pipe replacement project on Converse Street could be completed by the end of the week -- unless forecasts of nasty weather this week come to fruition.

Last fall, crews from Columbia Gas began replacing individual service pipes, said Columbia Gas spokeswoman Andrea Luppi. Crews began working to complete that stage of the project on Jan. 9.

On Monday, traffic on Converse Street remained narrowed to one lane while workers continued the project, the Longmeadow Police Department tweeted.

A winter weather advisory from the National Weather Service is in effect for the area for Tuesday and Wednesday -- which, Luppi said, would stall work, setting back the project.

"Following the service replacements, replacement of the (gas) main will begin thereafter," Luppi said.

Without inclement weather, phase one would be complete Friday, and phase two, the replacement of a gas main on Converse, would begin on Monday, Luppi said.

But with the current forecasts, that could be a long shot.

The Springfield Water and Sewer Commission said some customers may notice a slight chlorine taste or odor after recent adjustments to the disinfection process at the West Parish Filters Water Treatment Plant.

SPRINGFIELD -- The Springfield Water and Sewer Commission recently adjusted the disinfection process at West Parish Filters Water Treatment Plant, saying it may cause some consumers to notice a slight chlorine taste or odor in the drinking water.

The commission, in a prepared release, said the chlorine levels in Springfield's drinking water remain well below the maximum limits established by the federal Environmental Protection Agency and MassDEP. The water is safe to drink, the commission said.

Chlorine is a disinfectant that kills bacteria and viruses that can enter a water system is commonly used to treat drinking water, the commission said. Disinfection of drinking water is required by state and federal regulations.

The commission release stated: "Chlorine residual is a level of chlorine that remains in the drinking water after it is initially added to ensure the water stays safe as it passes through the distribution piping system. The commission has always maintained detectable chlorine residual levels within the distribution system, and recently adopted a more proactive approach to drinking water disinfection with the goal of maintaining higher chlorine residuals at all points in the system,"

The water treatment plant is located in Westfield, and was showcased by commission representatives during a September tour.

Residents who are more sensitive to the smell or taste of chlorine can take the following steps:

• Fill a clean pitcher with water and place it in the refrigerator. The chlorine will dissipate over a period of several hours.

• Activated carbon water filters can reduce taste and odor associated with chlorine. These filters are available in the form of pitchers and faucet attachments.

Additional information regarding chlorine and drinking water may be found on the Commission's website, seen here

The Commission supplies drinking water to Springfield, Ludlow, Agawam, East Longmeadow, and Longmeadow. Springfield and Ludlow customers with additional questions may contact the Commission at 413-310-3501.

Residents of other communities should contact their local water authority:
Longmeadow: 413-567-3400
East Longmeadow: 413-525-5400 ext. 1200
Agawam: 413-821-0600

Sen. Elizabeth Warren said President-elect Donald Trump" stepped over a line" in criticizing Rep. John Lewis, a civil rights icon. Lewis, D-Georgia, questioned the legitimacy of Trump's election, pointing to evidence of Russians interference. Watch video

BOSTON - Sen. Elizabeth Warren said President-elect Donald Trump" stepped over a line" in criticizing Rep. John Lewis, a civil rights icon.

Lewis, D-Georgia, questioned whether Trump is a legitimate president, pointing to evidence of Russian attempts to interfere in the US election. The comments came in an interview on NBC's "Meet the Press."

Trump took to Twitter to respond, saying Lewis "should spend more time on fixing and helping his district." Trump added that Lewis is "All talk, talk, talk - no action or results."

At a breakfast honoring Martin Luther King, Jr., Warren, D-Mass., said Lewis was once beaten to the ground with a club and had his skull fractured while leading a peaceful march for voting rights.

"The president-elect stepped over a line when he attacked John Lewis as a man who is all talk and no action," Warren told reporters. "John Lewis is a man who literally put his life on the line to make this a better country, a fairer country, a country that is more open. Donald Trump hasn't put his life on the line for anyone except Donald Trump."

When a reporter noted Trump was responding to Lewis's comment that he was not a "legitimate" president, Warren said, "John Lewis has earned the right to raise questions about legitimacy. Right now, our intelligence community tells us that Russia directly interfered in an election here in the United States. If John Lewis has a question about that, and if John Lewis wants not to attend because of that, that is certainly his right."

Warren and Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., plan to attend Trump's inauguration on Friday, Jan. 20. Rep. Katherine Clark, a Melrose Democrat, is protesting the inauguration and skipping the event.

"Look, this is about the orderly transfer of power," Warren said. "I will be there. I feel like it's my job to be there. But I will fight over the issues the people of Massachusetts sent me there to fight."

Rep. John Lewis says Donald Trump not legitimate president; Trump fires back on Twitter

Up to an inch of snow and a coating of ice could hit Central and Western Mass. Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning.

Up to an inch of snow and a coating of ice could hit Central and Western Mass. Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday morning, according to the National Weather Service.

A broad stretch of the state, including Worcester, Springfield, Greenfield and Northampton, will likely receive snow, sleet and freezing rain, with a winter weather advisory in effect from 7 p.m. Tuesday to 7 a.m. Wednesday.

Up to an inch of snow and a "trace of ice" is expected, according to the National Weather Service.

"Wintry precipitation will likely result in hazardous travel conditions on untreated roads, especially bridges and overpasses," the NWS said in its advisory. "Parking lots and sidewalks will be come slippery as well."

According to NWS forecasters, precipitation could begin tomorrow afternoon with a mix of snow and rain, before sleet and freezing rain later on.

Northern Connecticut, including the Hartford metro area, could also be affected.

A man threatened the clerk at the Honeyland Farms store with a handgun.

CHICOPEE - Police are investigating an armed robbery that happened Monday morning.

A man entered the Honeyland Farms, 1296 Montgomery St., at about 9:35 a.m., threatened a clerk with a handgun and fled with merchandise, Michael Wilk, public information officer for Chicopee Police, said.

The suspect is described as a white male in his mid 20s, who is clean shaven and wearing a white jacket and sunglasses. He fled toward the train tracks and Chicopee Street area, Wilk said.

People who may have seen the suspect or have any information about the robbery are asked to call the detective bureau at 413-594-1730, he said.

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker reiterated that he plans to attend fellow Republican Donald Trump's inauguration later this week, but defended Rep. John Lewis, a critic of the president-elect, as an "American hero." Watch video

BOSTON - Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker reiterated that he plans to attend fellow Republican Donald Trump's inauguration later this week, but defended Rep. John Lewis, a critic of the president-elect, as an "American hero."

Lewis, D-Georgia, said on NBC last week he plans to skip the inauguration and questioned the legitimacy of Trump's election, citing Russian interference. That prompted Trump to fire up his Twitter account, writing that Lewis is all "talk, talk, talk - no action or results."

Asked about the back and forth at a Martin Luther King Jr. breakfast, Baker called Lewis is an "American hero" and a patriot.

"And anybody who's followed the history associated with what he went through as a very young man, 22, 23, 24 years old back in the 1960s, knows that this is somebody who has devoted his life to civil rights here in this country," Baker said. "And anything suggesting that he's all talk is just simply A. not true and B. unfortunate."

Baker said he is attending the inauguration because he was invited as the governor of Massachusetts, and he would have attended regardless of the winner of the presidential election.

Massachusetts has relationships with the federal government, tied to health care, education, technology and medical research issues.

Baker said he remains disappointed with the "rhetoric" at the national level.

Sen. Warren says John Lewis has right to question Trump's legitimacy

"I plan to speak respectfully with folks at the federal level about issues I disagree with them on as well as issues I agree with them on," he said, noting that he penned a letter to House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy suggesting House GOP members preserve parts of the health care reform law they're seeking to repeal.

Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, both Massachusetts Democrats, plan to attend the inauguration.

Warren spoke at the Monday morning breakfast, and called for people, not just elected officials on Capitol Hill, to cause "necessary trouble" as Trump takes office. The quote was a reference to a phrase Lewis often uses when pointing to the actions he took as part of a push to ensure civil rights.

Asked about Warren's remarks, Baker said, "I think everybody has a role to play here. I view mine as to represent the interests of the Commonwealth and the people of Massachusetts and I intend to do that, and I intend to do it in a way that builds on what I consider to be the foundation we've developed here, which for the most part has been collaborative, when it makes sense, and respectful in disagreement."

John Lewis: Donald Trump is not legitimate president

The former Mutual Ford property on Bay Street in Pine Point is demolished, with the new owner planning to build duplexes on the site.

SPRINGFIELD -- The long-blighted former Mutual Ford property on Bay Street in Pine Point is no more, recently demolished by a Hampden developer planning to build duplexes on the site.

A demolition permit was issued by the city Building Department in mid-December, and the large, vacant building was torn down in recent weeks by Associated Building Wreckers of Springfield.

Alston Graham of Graham's Construction Inc., is the new property owner and is planning to build 30 high-end duplexes there, according to the company's real estate agent.

The Republican has not been able to reach Graham for comment.

The story will be updated as reporting continues.

Both men are scheduled to appear in Enfield Superior Court on Jan. 23.

SUFFIELD - Police arrested two men over the weekend and charged them with drunken driving, one of whom was driving more than double the speed limit and the second following a two-car accident.

Cameron Lanza, 20, of 47 Forest Ridge Lane, Agawam, was arrested at about 2:20 a.m. Sunday and charged with reckless driving, operation of a person under 21 with a blood alcohol content of .02 percent or refusal to submit to a test, Suffield Police Capt. Christopher McKee said.

A Suffield Police sergeant witnessed a car driving 91 miles on North Street, where the speed limit is 45 miles an hour, and recognized the car as one Agawam Police had attempted to stop moments earlier. The officer was able to catch up to the car, McKee said.

"The operator Cameron Lanza was given a field sobriety test which he did not perform to standard," McKee said.

On Friday Police arrested Ira Smith, 21, of 676 Enfield St. following an accident at East Street South, McKee said.

When police arrived at the two-car accident at about 11:23 p.m. they found both cars had been badly damaged during the crash. While investigating the crash, officers suspected Smith was operating under the influence, McKee said.

Smith was charged with operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, operating a motor vehicle without a license and driving too close. Bail was set at $7,500.

Both men are scheduled to appear in Enfield Superior Court on the charges on Jan. 23.

The homeowner told police the man forced his way through his front door at 3:30 a.m., forcing him to shoot him.

Patrick Johnson | pjohnson@repub.com 

Reports out of New Haven are that a homeowner has shot and wounded a man who apparently forced his way inside at 3:30 a.m.

According to the New Haven Register, the owner of a house on Pine Street told police he heard someone kicking and pounding on his front door. He confronted the man, telling him to stop, but the man kicked his way through the door and entered the home.

Shortly after that, the homeowner shot him.

The injured man, identified as Jorge Ortiz, 26, was taken by ambulance to Yale New Haven hospital.

According to WTNH News 8 in New Haven, Ortiz suffered a gunshot wound to the shoulder. His injuries are not considered life-threatening.

The station also reports it is unclear Ortiz was shot inside the home or somewhere outside. He was found outside when police arrived.

Police are questioning the homeowner, but no charges have been filed.

Proponents of the idea for the Gaylord to become a branch library of South Hadley Public Library said the Gaylord's endowment is depleted, and that without a merger with the municipal system, the private entity would need close within five years

SOUTH HADLEY -- The privately operated Gaylord Memorial Library will become part of the municipal South Hadley Public Library system in July.

Town Meeting on Wednesday approved the merger after numerous speakers expressed opposing opinions on whether the action would be best for the community.

The final vote was 47 in favor and 41 against.

Appropriations Committee member Jeff Cyr led the opposition.

"The proposal is not in the best interests of the community," Cyr said. "I question the legality of utilizing public funds to pay for utilities in a private building."

Town Moderator Ed Ryan said he researched that concern, saying, "there is statutory authority" for the town to pay utility costs at a building it does not own.

Ryan also told the body that "ownership of the building and land resides with Gaylord trustees."

Proponents of the idea for the Gaylord to become a branch library of South Hadley Public Library said the Gaylord's endowment is depleted, and that without a merger with the municipal system, the private entity would need close within five years.

"The only thing a no vote would ensure is the demise of Gaylord Library," said Bob Berwick, a town meeting member and South Hadley Public Library trustee.

The wife of the gunman who killed 49 people inside the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida was arrested by the FBI in San Francisco on federal charges, according to reports.

The wife of the gunman who killed 49 people inside the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida was arrested by the FBI in San Francisco on federal charges, according to ABC News.

Noor Salman, the wife of Omar Mateen, was arrested Monday and faces charges of obstruction of justice and aiding and abetting the attempted provision of material to support a foreign terrorist organization, the television station reports.

Salman had denied knowing anything about her husband's plans to carry out a mass shooting inside the gay nightclub on June 12.

Authorities said Salman will be brought to federal court in Tampa, Florida, where she was indicted.

Mateen was 29-years-old when he entered the Orlando nightclub and began shooting people. He was later shot and killed.

FBI officials said Mateen called the men responsible for the Boston Marathon bombings his "homeboys."

Harold H. Shaw, the special agent in charge of Boston's FBI office, said Mateen mentioned Dzhokhar Tsarnaev and his brother, Tamerlan Tsarnaev, during one 911 call.

Authorities said Mateen also pledged allegiance to ISIS.

Around 2:45 a.m. on December 6, a suspect identified by police as a "gang member with an extensive history" allegedly struck the off-duty officer at the club

An off-duty Springfield police officer was allegedly assaulted during an early December visit to the Mardi Gras strip club.

Around 2:45 a.m. on Dec. 6, a suspect identified by police as a "gang member with an extensive history" allegedly struck the off-duty officer at the club, Springfield Police Sgt. John Delaney told MassLive.

The officer sustained a laceration to his lip and security removed three alleged assailants from the club, Delaney wrote in a text message.

Delaney did not identify the officer involved or the suspect, but wrote that the officer had previous dealings with the suspect, who had allegedly threatened him.

No arrests had been made in the case as of Jan. 4, Delaney wrote. MassLive has reached out to the department for updates on the case.

Requests for additional information were denied by city officials. The city's law office rejected a public records request for the police report on the incident, saying they were investigatory materials exempt from disclosure.

The Springfield Police Department has opened up an internal investigation into the incident, Police Commissioner John Barbieri wrote in an email.

"I cannot comment because there is an ongoing internal investigation, as a precautionary measure," Barbieri wrote. "There have been no citizen's complaints filed in regards to this incident."

A source familiar with the incident, who was not authorized to speak on the record, said that investigators had taken security camera footage of the fight from Mardi Gras.

Last year Mayor Domenic Sarno described Springfield's strip clubs as a haven for violence and gang activity after shots were fired outside the Fifth Alarm strip club on Worthington Street. And in June the Showbar club's licenses were temporarily suspended following a city review of a stabbing at the club in March.

Mardi Gras has been the recipient of city sanctions before relating to violence and violations of its security plan -- most recently in September, when it received a one-day suspension after a customer alleged he was assaulted by bouncers.

On Sept. 2, a man was shot dead in the parking lot outside the club, though Daniel D. Kelly, the club's attorney, said video showed the shooter was never in the club that night and approached from a city sidewalk.

And two weeks before the officer was allegedly attacked, two people were shot just outside the Worthington Street entrance to the club, prompting Sarno to order a review of the club's security plan.

The alleged assault on an off-duty officer has not led to any allegations against the club so far. Kelly said Monday that Mardi Gras has not received any notice of violations in connection with the December incident.

The man was identified as Peter Yoruskiyh, 21.

Patrick Johnson | pjohnson@repub.com 

WESTFIELD - Police are investigating the discovery Saturday of a body in a yard on Orange Street but do not believe the death to be suspicious, police said.

Sgt. Robert Saunders said the 21-year-old man, identified as Peter Yurovskiyh, was found outside Saturday morning. Yurovskiyh lived near where his body was found, Saunders said.

The death is not considered suspicious, but Westfield police and Massachusetts State Police are investigating.

Orange Street runs parallel to Franklin Street near Whitney Playground.

Jose Ramos is charged with murder for the fatal stabbing of 26-year-old Luis Sanchez, a fellow resident of the Friends of the Homeless Worthington Street shelter in Springfield, on March 10, 2105.

SPRINGFIELD -- A little over a week ago, a judge ordered murder defendant Jose Ramos to see a court psychiatrist after he mouthed off to her during a hearing and tried to fire his lawyer.

On Friday a court psychiatrist reported Ramos -- who was not brought into the courtroom for the hearing -- would not cooperate and refused the competency evaluation.

The next court date for Ramos, accused in a fatal stabbing outside a city homeless shelter, is Jan. 26.

At a Jan. 5 hearing, Hampden Superior Court Judge Constance M. Sweeney ordered Ramos be examined for competency to stand trial after he repeatedly interrupted her.

His lawyer also reported that Ramos would not cooperate with him in his defense. Ramos complained about his lawyer and told Sweeney, "He's fired."

"You don't get to fire anyone," Sweeney said.

"Yes I do," said Ramos, adding: "He works for me."

Lawyer Daniel W. Cronin, meanwhile, asked to withdraw from Ramos' case, telling Sweeney the defendant will not communicate with him.

Speaking to Sweeney, Ramos said Cronin is giving him bad advice. He said the last time Cronin visited him in jail, it was an unscheduled visit and Ramos was "resting" in his cell.

Sweeney said refusing to get out of his cell to meet with his lawyer is not appropriate behavior.

As Ramos began interrupting Sweeney repeatedly, she asked, "Will you be quiet?" She warned him he would be taken from the courtroom while his case was discussed.

"Speak," Ramos said belligerently to Sweeney each time she asked if he would be quiet.

Sweeney ejected him from the courtroom and ordered the competency examination.

Ramos, 34, is charged with the March 10, 2105 stabbing death 26-year-old Luis Sanchez, a fellow resident of the Friends of the Homeless Worthington Street shelter in Springfield. Ramos has denied the charge.

The stabbing took place outside the shelter.

Ramos had been scheduled to go to trial Jan. 26, but that trial date was scrapped. The date was rescheduled as a hearing to discuss the results of his mental health evaluation.

The chancellor of UMass Boston has returned to the country after hearing that a 20-year-old was stabbed during a party held at his Stoughton home, and said the victim is recovering and in "good spirits."

The chancellor of UMass Boston has returned to the country after hearing that a 20-year-old was stabbed during a party held at his Stoughton home, and said the victim is recovering and in "good spirits."

"Since returning to my home early this morning, I have had the opportunity to talk with my family and our friend Fabrice Emile and his family," Chancellor J. Keith Motley said in a statement. "As a parent, it is extremely disconcerting to be out of the country and learn that there has been an emergency situation at your home."

Fabrice Emile's family identified him as the victim to WCVB News. His mother told the television channel on Monday that he was improving.

Authorities were called to the home at 22 Palisades Circle around 2:45 a.m. Sunday for a report of a stabbing.

The chancellor was not home at the time.

[enhanced link]

"In trying to get back here as soon as possible, I have been most concerned about my family and the health and well-being of Fabrice," Motley said. "I am so happy that Fabrice is recovering and in good spirits, and it was a pleasure to talk with him and his parents, Joseph and Victoria, this morning."

Emile's friends flagged down an ambulance after trying to drive him to the hospital first, according to WCVB News.

"I want to thank Stoughton police and emergency personnel for their excellent work in protecting our community and, in particular, for promptly responding to the incident," Motley. "I also thank my neighbors and surrounding community that I have been a part of for more than 20 years for their friendship and support. Moving forward, my family and I will fully cooperate with the investigation of this incident."

Police ask anyone who was at the house party or anyone has information to call detectives at 781-344-2575.

The man threatened the clerk with a gun and then stole some merchandice, police said.

Patrick Johnson | pjohnson@repub.com 

CHICOPEE - Police are on the scene of a reported armed robbery at the Stop and Go Mart at 643 Prospect St.

According to department spokesman Michael Wilk, a man entered the story just before 3 p.m. threatened the cashier with a gun and then stole some merchandise.

The suspect is described as a white man, roughly 6 feet tall, and wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt and glasses.

He was last seen running from the store toward the area of the nearby Cumberland Farms, Wilk said.

Anyone who witnessed the crime is asked to call police at 413-594-1730.

Orlando Police Chief John Mina said on Monday that he is glad that the wife of the Pulse nightclub shooter, Omar Mateen, has been arrested and charged by the FBI.

Orlando Police Chief John Mina said on Monday that he is glad that the wife of the Pulse nightclub shooter, Omar Mateen, has been arrested and charged by the FBI.

Noor Salman was arrested on Monday in San Francisco. She is being charged with aiding and abetting by providing material to a terrorist organization and obstruction of justice. She was indicted in Tampa, Florida.

"I am glad to see that Omar Mateen's wife has been charged with aiding her husband in the commission of the brutal attack on the Pulse nightclub," Mina said in a statement. "Nothing can erase the pain we all feel about the senseless and brutal murders of 49 of our neighbors, friends, family members and loved ones.

"But today, there is some relief in knowing that someone will be held accountable for that horrific crime," he continued.

Mateen shot and killed 49 people in the nightclub on June 12. He was then shot and killed by police after a standoff.

"Federal authorities have been working tirelessly on this case for more than seven months, and we are grateful that they have seen to it that some measure of justice will be served in this act or terror that has affected our community so deeply," Mina said.

Salman has said that she did not know anything about her husband's plans to carry out a shooting at the nightclub.

She is slated to appear in federal court in Oakland, California, on Tuesday morning.

Salman will make her IA at the federal courthouse in Oakland, CA at 9:30 a.m. on Tues. 1/17/17. No further info available at this time.

-- USAO Middle Florida (@USAO_MDFL) January 16, 2017

FBI officials said Mateen referred to the men responsible for the Boston Marathon bombings, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev and his late brother Tamerlan Tsarnaev, as his "homeboys."

Harold H. Shaw, the special agent in charge of Boston's FBI office, said Mateen mentioned the brothers during one 911 call on the night of the shooting.

Hampden Superior Court Judge Edward J. McDonough ruled drug defendant Angel Luis Saez had the legal expectation of privacy in the Cayey Social Club in Holyoke.

SPRINGFIELD — The Cayey Social Club in Holyoke is a private club and members have a legal expectation of privacy inside, a judge has ruled.

Hampden Superior Court Judge Edward J. McDonough wrote in a recent ruling that sending an informant into the club to buy cocaine from Angel Luis Saez in July 2014 violated protections under the law.

Vincent A. Bongiorni, lawyer for Saez, had argued that point in a motion to suppress evidence in the case.

McDonough, in his Dec. 9 ruling, said the audio and video recording of the drug transaction must be suppressed and can't be used at trial.

Saez, 45, of Holyoke, is charged with distribution of cocaine, subsequent offense. The case has a trial date of May 8. At a status conference Thursday, a prosecutor said his office is not appealing McDonough's ruling to a higher state court.

Another reason for suppressing the audio and video recording cited by McDonough is the fact that state guidelines — not federal — for making such recordings govern police action in this case. And, McDonough ruled, although the investigation targeted the La Familia gang, there was no evidence Saez's conduct was part of or connected to organized crime.

"Most particularly, there is no evidence that either the confidential source or the defendant or any member present at the club that night was either a member of, or a participant with, La Familia," McDonough wrote.

McDonough, in his "findings of fact" in the decision, said:

• The prosecution was initiated after an investigation, begun in 2011, jointly conducted by the FBI and the Western Massachusetts Gang Task Force.
• The purported target of the investigation was the La Familia gang known to be operating in Holyoke.
• The task force members' purpose was to infiltrate, disrupt and dismantle suspected organized criminal gang activity in the sale of illegal narcotics.
• The task force developed a confidential source who lived in a neighborhood in South Holyoke with the purpose of targeting leadership and membership in the gang.
• Angel Saez became a target of the task force at some point and the source knew him.
• The confidential source was fitted with electronic equipment and got the recording on or about July 31, 2014, at the Cayey Social Club on Main Street.
• The confidential source was used by the task force in approximately 18 other prosecutions.

McDonough said the club was private and it's exterior had two large signs with the words "Members Only" and "No Trespassing." The windows of the club were painted over, making it impossible for passersby to see inside.

"The confidential source did not obtain permission or authorization from the cub or any of its members to enter on the night in question," McDonough wrote. "He simply walked in the front door, disregarding the admittance restrictions on the posted signs."

Judge Edward McDonough ruling in Angel Luis Saez case by The Republican/MassLive.com on Scribd