Two armed suspects on Tuesday night robbed a clerk at Family Dollar, a discount store at 1070 St. James Ave., and fled on foot with cash from the register, police said.

Republican file photo

SPRINGFIELD - Two armed suspects on Tuesday night robbed a clerk at Family Dollar, a discount store at 1070 St. James Ave., and fled on foot with cash from the register, police said.

Police officers and a state police K-9 unit were canvassing the neighborhood looking for the two suspects, police said.

The robbery happened just after 9 p.m.

The clerk told police that two men entered the store and each drew a silver handgun and demanded cash. The only description of them was each was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and a stocking cap.

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The search committee will review applications and interview the strongest candidates before presenting three to five finalists to the School Committee by May 23.

SPRINGFIELD – With the deadline two days away, 12 candidates have applied to be the city’s next school superintendent, school officials were told Tuesday night.

At the first meeting of the superintendent search committee, Massachusetts Association of School Committees administrator Patricia Correira said the number of applicants could increase because candidates often wait until the deadline to apply.

Correira, Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and three other School Committee members welcomed the 13-member volunteer committee, briefing them on their duties and legal responsibilities. The statewide school committee association is serving as a consultant in the search.

Committee member Norman Roldan said he was pleased with the search team, which was selected from 42 applicants following a series of hearings across the city to gather public suggestions on hiring the next superintendent.

“It looks like a really good group. The members are a blend of the city, from professional leaders to parents,” Roldan said.

“They appeared engaged, and asked all the right questions,” he said.

The search committee will review applications and interview the strongest candidates before presenting three to five finalists to the School Committee by May 23.

School Committee members expect to select the next superintendent by the middle of June. The search was launched in December, four months after Superintendent Alan J. Ingram announced plans to leave when his four-year contract expires on June 30.

No School Committee member may have contact with the search committee during the review period, and only the names of the finalists will be made public.

As its first official action, the committee elected New North Citizen Council administrator Jose Claudio as its chairman.

Serving on the search team are Heriberto Flores, director of the New England Farm Workers Council and other human service agencies; B. John Dill, president of the Colebrook Realty Services Inc.; Rev. Talbert Swan II, pastor of Spring Hope Church of God; the Rev. Mark E. Flowers, pastor of Mount Calvary Baptist Church.

Also on the committee are Charles H. Rucks, executive director of Springfield Neighborhood Housing Services; Thaddeus Tokarz and Thomas O’Brien, principals of Central High School and Boland Elementary School, respectively; teachers Burton Freedman and Sherann Jackson; community member Sharyn Kakley, Central student Kenneth Stahovish and parent Nancy Cavanaugh.

In addition to Sarno and Roldan, School Committee members Denise Hurst and Barbara Gresham also attended the session.

Roche pleaded guilty in 2008 to shooting Bruno six to seven times in a dark parking lot for a $10,000 fee. He is testifying for the prosecution under a plea deal in the hopes of getting out of prison as soon as possible, he told jurors.

The Republican file photo | Dave Roback11.23.2003 | SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Police detectives investigate the fatal shooting of Adolfo "Big Al" Bruno.

This is an update of a story originally posted at 6:26 p.m.

NEW YORK – The prosecution in an ongoing Western Massachusetts Mafia murder trial in U.S. District Court in Manhattan paraded its second self-confessed killer to the witness stand on Tuesday.

Frankie Roche, 39, the admitted hitman in the 2003 contract killing of Springfield mob boss Adolfo “Big Al” Bruno, coolly told jurors of a criminal history that began when he was a boy in Westfield with grand theft auto, armed robbery and a prison escape.

The lanky, tattooed former fringe character in Springfield’s organized crime circles began testifying on Tuesday afternoon against Emilio Fusco, a Longmeadow man and “made member” of the New York-based Genovese crime family. Fusco is accused of a racketeering conspiracy that included the Bruno hit, the grisly murder of police informant Gary D. Westerman and sports-betting and drug dealing conspiracies.

Fusco has denied any involvement in the murders and lesser conspiracies. Prosecutors contend Fusco was a longtime rival of Bruno and among a group of young, upstart gangsters looking to wrest power from the then-boss.

Roche pleaded guilty in 2008 to shooting Bruno six to seven times in a dark parking lot for a $10,000 fee. He is testifying under a plea deal in the hopes of getting out of prison as soon as possible, he told jurors.

Prior to that, however, Roche made it clear to jurors that he generally did what he had to do to get what he wanted. In 2000, for example, he told jurors that he went back to prison after breaking into a liquor store.

“Why did you break into a liquor store?” Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel S. Goldman asked Roche on direct examination.

“Because it was closed,” Roche responded.

He offered nearly two hours of similar, clipped answers as he described meeting mob enforcer Fotios “Freddy” Geas in prison in 2000, then Geas’ younger brother Ty, both formerly of West Springfield, and for a feereadily agreed to kill or beat anyone the brothers named.

Roche testified in a separate trial last year against the Geases and onetime New York Genovese acting boss Arthur “Artie” Nigro, who stood accused of nearly parallel charges in the same courtroom. The Geases and Nigro were convicted and are serving life sentences in prison. Bruno’s successor, Anthony J. Arillotta, has joined Roche in the federal Witness Protection Program and testified for four days earlier in Fusco’s trial – and at the trial of the Geases and Nigro last year.

Frankie Roche

An undercover sting operation yielded the arrest of 11 men who allegedly attempted to hire a female police detective for sex while she posed as a prostitute in the South End.

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:

1) I-91 southbound reopens after Chicopee curve crash injures 5 [Jeanette DeForge]

2) Springfield police: Gunshot victim claims to be 'gangster' and refuses to cooperate, but asks for ambulance [Conor Berry]

3) Springfield sting, with female police detective posing as prostitute in South End, yields arrest of 11 men Photo gallery at right. [George Graham]

4) Springfield police charge 38-year-old Katherine Tangredi of Agawam with writing nearly $12,000 worth of false checks [George Graham]

5) '413' music video, featuring 'Dr. Westchesterson' rapping and touring throughout Western Massachusetts, becomes local Internet phenomenon Video below. [Conor Berry]

WATCH the "413" video:

Newt Gingrich began taking steps Wednesday to shut down his debt-laden presidential bid, setting the stage to endorse one-time rival Mitt Romney next week and rally the GOP behind its apparent nominee.

The Associated PressRepublican presidential candidate, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich speaks in Cramerton, N.C., Wednesday, April 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

By PHILIP ELLIOTT, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Newt Gingrich began taking steps Wednesday to shut down his debt-laden presidential bid, setting the stage to endorse one-time rival Mitt Romney next week and rally the GOP behind its apparent nominee.

Gingrich spokesman R.C. Hammond said the former House speaker spoke with Romney on Wednesday and had started planning an event where he would throw his support behind the likely nominee.

Gingrich had pinned his hopes on a strong showing in Delaware that did not materialize after the polls closed Tuesday night. On Wednesday morning, he acknowledged to North Carolina voters that his White House dreams were effectively over.

"Newt is committed to helping the party stop Barack Obama's second term," Hammond said. "He will do everything he can to make sure that happens."

For his part, Gingrich said he expects Romney will be the nominee and he called on the party to unite behind the former Massachusetts governor. At his appearance Wednesday, Gingrich stopped short of endorsing Romney and left his future unclear.

"You have to at some point be honest about what's happening in the real world as opposed to what you would like to have happened," Gingrich told supporters at a suburban Charlotte, N.C. restaurant the morning after Romney swept primary contests in five states.

"Gov. Romney had a very good day yesterday. You have to give him some credit. He's worked for six years. He put together a big machine ... I think I would obviously be a better candidate."

But Gingrich said GOP voters didn't agree, and that he would begin working to unite the party.

"I also think that it's very, very important that we be unified," he said. "No conservative anyplace in America should have any doubt about the importance of defeating Barack Obama."

The Chicopee Education Association rejected the early start in a 270-279 vote.

File photo | The Republican

CHICOPEE — The School Committee reversed its decision to start school before Labor Day next year, giving children one more week of summer vacation.

After two years of worrying that extra snow days made students attend school until the end of June, the School Committee for the first time agreed to start school in August, a week before Labor Day.

Chicopee is one of the few school districts that continue the tradition of starting after Labor Day, and Superintendent Richard W. Rege Jr. said he did not want to take any chances for a third year in a row.

But the Chicopee Education Association rejected the plan to change its contract and start early in a 270-279 vote. The committee then reverted to the original calendar and will start school on Sept. 4 for the 2012-2013 school year and Sept. 3 for the following year.

“The vote was very clear, and we move on,” Rege said.

The School Committee’s decision to change the calendar came in part because the October snowstorm forced school to be closed for five days and leaving administrators to cancel one day off in November and a teacher training day later to make up for any snow days later in the year. They were saved by a snowless winter.

The previous year, students attended school until June 28 because of the large number of snow days.

At the same time the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has remained steadfast against granting any waivers that would have children attending school fewer than 180 days, instead recommending schools cancel vacations or open school on Saturday to make up days. An alternate plan of adding time to the end of school day to make up days little by little was also rejected.

Some School Committee members were not fans of the early start. Sharon M. Nawrocki, who has two children in the schools, said she talked to more than 30 parents who objected to the early start.

“If it is a snowy winter, we will take the right action,” School Committee member Donald J. Lamothe said.

Member David G. Barsalou, who voted for the earlier start, said he had no complaints about the teachers’ vote.

“I respect their decision. This is what they want,” he said.

2012-13; 2013-2014 School Calendar

Presenters will include representatives of Western New England University and the Springfield Police Department

SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield Parent Academy will host a community discussion titled “Gang Signs” on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Sumner Avenue School, 45 Sumner Ave.

Participants in the free event will learn how gangs impact the city, particularly the Forest Park and South End neighborhoods. It will include discussion of gang recruitment of youth and warning signs of gang activity.

Presenters include: Laura L. Hansen, Department of Criminal Justice and Sociology at Western New England University; Nicholas Cotto, Gang Intel instructor and consultant; Manny Torres, youth outreach worker and former gang member; and the Springfield Police Department.

More information about the academy is available at www.SpringfieldParentAcademy.com.

The aim is to clean up blighted areas across the city of Springfield.

The Republican | Michael BeswickMembers of Keep Springfield Beautiful handed out coloring books to visitors at the Springfield Science Museum on Sunday, Earth Day. They are planning a citywide clean-up on Saturday.

SPRINGFIELD — Keep Springfield Beautiful, a local nonprofit grassroots group, needs volunteers for a Saturday morning, citywide cleanup, according to organizers.

Members of the group, including president Melvin A. Edwards, gathered at City Hall on Wednesday to urge residents and business people from throughout the region to participate in the annual cleanup. Hundreds of people have participated in recent years, aided by equipment and materials provided by the city and donated by private companies.

The cleanup is part of the Great American Cleanup conducted in communities across the nation. Volunteers will pick up litter, remove graffiti, clean up parks and blighted properties, plant trees, flowers and shrubs, and clear trash from illegal dump sites and city streets, said Edwards, who is also a member of the City Council.

The cleanup has had a “tremendous impact,” Edwards said.

It serves to reduce blight, and improve the aesthetics of Springfield, which helps in protecting property values, Edwards said. Litter and graffiti can devalue a property by up to 20 percent, he said.

Trash bags, gloves and water will be provided, and the group continues to look for donations of funds and materials.

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said the cleanup reflects “neighbor helping neighbor.”

“It sets across such an example of community spirit,” Sarno said.

Keep Springfield Beautiful is also sponsoring its annual 10-kilometer road race on Sunday at 9 a.m. The start/finish line is at the Basketball Hall of Fame, and the route is designed to promote Springfield and a healthy lifestyle, Edwards said.

Roche offered more hours of dispassionate testimony about a run of beatings, murder plots and a contract killing that played out after he was released from prison in 2003.

File photo by Dave Roback / The RepublicanFrankie Roche is seen in Hampden Superior Court in 2007.

NEW YORK — Frankie Roche, the admitted shooter in the 2003 contract hit on Springfield organized crime boss Adolfo "Big Al" Bruno, offered jurors in federal court more hours of dispassionate testimony about a string of beatings, attempted killings and a murder he said he carried out almost robotically.

On trial is Emilio Fusco, a Longmeadow man accused in the plot against Bruno prosecutors say included gangsters from Greater Springfield to the highest ransk of the Genovese crime family in New York. Fusco also is charged with the 2003 murder of police informant and street thug Gary D. Westerman, plus a string of extortions, narcotics deals and illegal gambling schemes. Fusco, 43, a so-called made member of the Genovese family, has denied all charges.

Roche began testifying in U.S. District Court on Tuesday - his second time on the witness stand in a murder trial as part of a plea deal with prosecutors.He described to jurors that he was drawn into the "Springfield Crew" of the Genovese family via a prison buddy, Fotios "Freddy" Geas, a henchman for then-rising mob star Anthony J. Arillotta.

Arillotta, who also turned government witness after being charged in connection with the Bruno murder in 2010, testified early that Geas referred to Roche as his "crash dummy," and ended up being his pick for a hitman once the plan to murder Bruno gained speed with a "green light" from the New York bosses.

Roche testified on Tuesday that he was promised $10,000 to ambush Bruno with a .45-caliber pistol in the parking lot of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Society social club in downtown Springfield, Mass. He said he emerged from behind a vending machine as Bruno approached his car after his regular Sunday night card game on Nov. 23, 2003 and called out "Hey Al ... You looking for me?" before pumping the crime boss full of bullets.

"Did you have a problem with taking $10,000 to kill a human being?" defense lawyer Richard B. Lind asked Roche during two hours of cross-examination.

"Absolutely not," Roche responded.

"You didn't have to think twice about it?" Lind asked.

"Nope," Roche said, later adding: "It's the kinda guy I was."

"Oh, you're reformed now?" Lind asked skeptically.

"I'm better now," Roche answered.

Roche also testified that after he was arrested and charged with Bruno's murder in state court in Massachusetts in 2005, he continued to communicate with Geas while the two were being held in separate prisons by passing hand-written notes through Springfield criminal defense lawyer Daniel D. Kelly. The government also offered into evidence a hand-written note drafted by Kelly to Roche, that read, in part: "I am working on other witnesses for you."

Kelly, a former Springfield City Councilor, has not been charged in the case.

Although Roche testified about his onetime distaste for "rats," he conceded he now is one himself and hopes to get out of prison as soon as possible in exchange for his testimony.

"You'd like to be out on the streets tomorrow if you could, isn't that right?" Lind asked.

"Absolutely," Roche answered.

Testimony is scheduled to continue Wednesday afternoon. East Longmeadow, Mass. gangster Felix Tranghese, who also entered the Witness Protection Program after he was charged in connection with the Bruno murder, is expected to be one of the next few witnesses to take the stand.

More details coming on MassLive.com and in The Republican.

Owner Salvatore DeNardo is proposing a larger establishment on a property located at 215 Shaker Road.

File photo | The Republican12.03.2002 | EAST LONGMEADOW — Salvatore DeNardo braves the cold to string Christmas lights outside his Maple Street restaurant.

EAST LONGMEADOW — DeNardo's Family Restaurant will soon have a new location now that the Planning Board has approved a special permit and site plan for the restaurant.

Owner Salvatore DeNardo met with the board Tuesday during a public hearing.

DeNardo's is currently located at 39 Maple St. in a small plaza with very limited parking. DeNardo is proposing a larger establishment on a property located at 215 Shaker Road. Currently there is a home on the property owned by DeNardo.

The restaurant will have 64 seats, including 24 seats in the bar area and a takeout area. There will be 43 parking spaces available.

Several abutters attended the meeting to speak up against the new restaurant.

Patricia Moller of 214 Shaker Road said although the zone is industrial and there are businesses on the street they mostly close at 5 p.m.

"It might not seem like it, but it is still a quiet neighborhood. Now we will have a business open late at night, serving alcohol, and an increase in traffic," she said.

The special permit allows for the restaurant to be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Tuesdays through Thursdays and Sundays and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. DeNardo has a liquor license, but can serve alcohol only if a full menu is available, Planning Board Chairman George Kingston said.

Terri Lombardo, who lives at 211 Shaker Road, which abuts the property. She expressed concerns about having to look at a restaurant, a parking lot and a dumpster right outside her home.

"This will greatly affect our quality of life," she said.

She is hoping the owner will consider putting up a 10-foot fence that would block her view of the restaurant.

Kingston said that he hopes DeNardo will try to work with the neighbors and take their concerns into consideration.

"There are homes here, but this is an industrial zone and this is an allowed use," Kingston said.

DeNardo will go before the Conservation Commission at 7 p.m. Wednesday to discuss wetlands surrounding the property.

The map below shows the approximate locations of the current and proposed locations of DeNardo's Family Restaurant:

View DeNardo's Family Restaurant proposed move in a larger map

Service members have had their speech limited since the Civil War, especially if their comments are believed to disrupt good order and discipline.

Associated PressMarine Sgt. Gary Stein speaks with reporters in front of the federal court building Friday, April 13, 2012, in San Diego.

SAN DIEGO — The Marine Corps said Wednesday it has decided to discharge a sergeant for criticizing President Barack Obama on Facebook.

The Corps said Sgt. Gary Stein will be given an other-than-honorable discharge for violating Pentagon policy limiting speech of service members.

The San Diego-area Marine has served nearly 10 years in the Marine Corps. He has said he was exercising his free-speech rights.

The discharge will mean he loses all benefits.

A federal judge previously denied a request to block military discharge proceedings against Stein, who called Obama an enemy on Facebook.

U.S. District Judge Marilyn Huff ruled then that the military has the right to respond to Stein's online comments in a case that has called into question the Pentagon's policies regarding social media and the limits regarding the speech of active duty military personnel.

Attorney J. Mark Brewer told Huff the entire process violates the First Amendment, which federal courts have the right to uphold.

Huff disagreed, calling Stein's postings "truly troubling." Service members have had their speech limited since the Civil War, especially if their comments are believed to disrupt good order and discipline.

The judge pointed out Stein's March 1 comments on a Facebook page used by Marine Corps meteorologists in which the sergeant stated, "Screw Obama and I will not follow all orders from him."

Cintron pleaded not guilty and is free on personal recognizance.

The Republican / File photo

SPRINGFIELD — A 47-year-old city woman stands accused of stealing more than $100,000 from the medical office in which she was employed.

Cynthia Cintron pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Hampden Superior Court to 19 charges alleging larceny, check forgery and uttering false checks. The alleged victim is Valley Pulmonary and Medical Associates in Springfield.

A count of larceny over $250 pursuant to a single scheme charges she stole the money from April 27, 2006 to April 21, 2011.

The larceny, check forgery and uttering false check charges cite dates of Feb. 15, 2011; March 22, 2010; Jan. 27, 2009; Aug. 8, 2008; May 27, 2007; and Oct. 26, 2006.

James C. Orenstein of Hampden District Attorney Mark G. Mastroianni’s office is prosecuting the case, and Thomas J. Rooke is Cintron’s lawyer.

The indictments do not list any amount of the alleged thefts, but Orenstein said it is over $100,000.

A pretrial hearing is scheduled for July 17. Cintron is free on personal recognizance.

“The Firefighter’s Prayer” is a creed dear to firefighters all over the United States; however, that prayer and a monument in Woonsocket, R.I. are under fire by a national group which says the department is blurring the lines of religion.

• New York mother says she was fired after donating donating kidney to help her boss [ABC News]


• Victorial Kennedy, snubbed at one college, named commencement speaker at Berkshire Community College [Berkshire Eagle]


• Atheists demand removal of firefighter's memorial, prayer in Rhode Island [WFXT-TV, Channel 25, Boston]



Atheist group wants firefighter's 91-year-old war memorial and prayer removed: MyFoxBOSTON.com

File photos / Associated PressFormer President Jimmy Carter is seen in this composite file photo with Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney. Click on the link, above right, for a report from USA Today in which Carter is quoted as saying he could live with Romney as president, although he thinks Barack Obama will win reelection.
• Former President Jimmy Carter says Barack Obama will win reelection, but he could be 'comfortable' with Mitt Romney [USA Today]


• Level of evil in Hampden County higher than in rest of state, top Massachuetts judge says [WWLP-TV, 22 News, Chicopee]


• Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy signs death penalty repeal into law [The Day of New London]


• Brockton father beaten in dispute over parking space [Boston Herald]


• Missing Rockport toddler's family beginning to think she's not in ocean [New England Cable News]


• Twitter posts tagged #westernma in Western Mass. [MassLive.com]


• Read more News Links »


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A Marlborough man who owns a Five Guys Burgers and Fries in Westfield plans to open another one in West Springfield.

The Republican | Sandra E. ConstantineThe former B'Shara's Restaurant on Riverdale Street in West Springfield is being transformed into a Five Guys Burgers & Fries eatery by workers from Tim Margoles Wall Systems of Westfield.

WEST SPRINGFIELD — A Five Guys Burgers & Fries franchise is expected to open soon at the site of the former B’Shara’s restaurant on Riverdale Street.

Robert A. Zinck of Marlborough, who will own the operation, said Tuesday that he hopes to open the eatery at 1268 Riverdale St. by June 1. How soon depends on how long it takes to finish work on the building and get such local approvals as a common victualer’s license, he said.

He anticipates the restaurant, which will seat about 70, will employ around 50 full- and part-time employees.

Zinck opened a Five Guys restaurant in December in Little River Plaza on Route 20 in Westfield, where he said business has been good. A former women’s jewelery salesman, Zinck also owns four other Five Guys franchises. They are in Hanover, Swansea, North Dartmouth and Seekonk, all communities in the eastern part of the state.

Zinck said he was drawn to the West Springfield location for a number of reasons, including heavy traffic, the visibility of the building and the fact the site is easy to access because it is located at a traffic light.

Zinck said his restaurant will be a typical Five Guys establishment and will include its trademark red and white tile wall decor. The new venture will continue the franchise’s practice of using fresh ingredients.

“They cut the potatoes fresh every morning. Everything is top quality and that’s what sold me on Five Guys,” Zinck said.

The chain originated in 1986 when the family of Jerry and Janie Murrell started a carry-out burger operation in Alexandria, Va., according to information on the Five Guys website. The operation grew over the years and expanded from being run by four Murrell brothers to five brothers. By early 2003, the family started offering franchise opportunities.

There are now more than 900 locations across the country. The 1268 Riverdale St. building has been vacant since B’Shara’s Restaurant closed in 2009.

Landlord Paul A. Longtin last fall got the special permit from the Planning Board needed to open a 70-seat fast-food restaurant at that address. The Westfield businessman said the new venture should be a good fit for the property and that the franchise seems to have a good following.

West Springfield Planning Administrator Richard A. Werbiskis has called the plans for a fast-food restaurant a “good reuse” of the property. The site is zoned Business A.

The young woman's nightmare began as she walked with her baby home in a stroller at night on a street in the Indian Orchard neighborhood.

SPRINGFIELD — Jose DeJesus admitted in Hampden Superior Court Tuesday prosecutors can prove he kidnapped a woman and a 15-month-old infant using a knife and then brutally raped the young woman repeatedly, making her put the baby on the floor while he committed the assaults.

DeJesus, 39, of Springfield, said he has no memory of committing any of the crimes, described by his own lawyer as horrific.

But he could still be going to state prison for 20 to 23 years for those crimes.

Judge Peter A. Velis accepted DeJesus’ guilty plea under a provision of state law that allows a defendant to plead guilty even if he or she says they don’t remember what they did.

Hampden District Attorney Mark G. Mastroianni asked Velis to sentence DeJesus to 20 to 23 years.

Defense lawyer Bernard T. O’Connor wants Velis to see a completed psychiatric report on DeJesus before he decides on a sentence, which O’Connor said should be less than what the prosecution wants.

Velis set sentencing for May 24, but said he couldn’t anticipate how any psychiatric report would convince him to give DeJesus a shorter sentence.

“Why do I need to know what went on in his head?” Velis asked.

The young woman’s nightmare began as she walked with her baby home in a stroller at night on a street in the Indian Orchard neighborhood.

DeJesus approached the woman, who he did not know, and started walking with her and talking.

When she tried to separate from him he displayed a knife with a long blade, keeping a hand on her and leading her inside a house.

The woman went into the house “for fear, your honor, not only for herself but her child,” Mastroianni said.

For forcing the baby and mother into the house, DeJesus pleaded guilty to aggravated kidnapping.

When inside the house “the sexual assaults began,” Mastroianni said. The woman was trying to hold onto the child but DeJesus told her to put the child down on the floor.

DeJesus pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated rape for different forced sexual acts.

The woman was ultimately able to get away with her baby, but only after DeJesus had two of her gold necklaces.

DeJesus was identified later as he tried to sell the necklaces in a neighborhood nearby and someone who recognized the woman’s jewelry ultimately got police to the scene.

The victim was treated at Baystate Medical Center. In the ambulance, she pointed out the house to which she was brought.

Police brought DeJesus out from the house and she identified him, Mastroianni said.

DeJesus has been in jail since he was arrested. He was arraigned in Hampden Superior Court in February 2010.

Detective Thomas Foye said the drug problem in Ludlow is the worst he has seen in the 25 years he has been with the police department.

Associated Press

LUDLOW — Parents, grandparents, students and educators jammed the Ludlow High School auditorium Tuesday night to hear what they could do to combat a growing problem with illegal use of prescription pain killers.

Detective Sgt. Thomas Foye said that the abuse of prescription pain killers is becoming a suburban epidemic.

In 2010 there were 23 drug arrests by the police department, Foye said. He said that in 2011 the number had risen to 39, a 70 percent increase. The police department is on target to exceed that number in 2012, he said.

Drug addiction leads to an increasing number of house breaks, Foye said. He said that during the month of February there were 15 house breaks in town.

“Ninety-nine percent of house breaks are drug related,” Foye said.

He said the drug problem in Ludlow is the worst he has seen in the 25 years he has been working for the police department.

A lot of parents are in denial that their children use drugs, Foye said. Family members who think a child has a drug problem should beware of a change in a student’s behavior and friends and a neglected appearance.

Parents need to be vigilant around their children to protect them, he said.

District Attorney Mark Mastroianni, who participated in the forum said there is only one way for a drug addict to end up if he does not deal with his addiction — either in jail or dead.

Drug addicts become the world’s best liars, he said, and will rob from family members to get their next fix.

Interim Superintendent Donna Hogan said that parents should not buy alcohol for teen parties and justify it by saying they will take the teens’ keys.

Parents can be jailed and sued for providing alcohol to teens, Mastroianni said.

Hogan suggested that parents in town do what parents in some other communities have done — take a pledge and sign a contract which is published in a book for other families — to have only parties at their homes that are supervised and at which no alcohol is served.

Selectman William Rooney, who helped coordinate the forum, said the drug problem will get worse if parents remain in denial about it.

Rooney said he was very proud that so many community members came out to the forum to take a first step in increasing awareness about the town’s drug and alcohol problem.

The house, which is near Lake George, has been termed a total loss by fire officials.

Photo by Lori Stabile / The RepublicanFire officials are still trying to determine the cause of a blaze Tuesday at this house at 91 Union Road in Wales.

WALES - A spokeswoman for the state fire marshal's office said that the fire that gutted a small, single-family home at 91 Union Road is still under investigation and the cause is undetermined.

"There is no cause at the moment," spokeswoman Jennifer Mieth said.

The fire was called in at approximately 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, according to police. Firefighters cleared the scene about an hour later. The house, which is near Lake George, is a total loss, officials said.

The American Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter Disaster Action Team assisted at the scene Tuesday night, and provided two adults with financial resources for shelter, food and clothing. The team also provided canteen service for 20 firefighters at the scene.

The Red Cross will follow up with the victims in the coming days to assist with the recovery.

The residents were renters. Who owns the house was unclear on Wednesday as the town clerk's office did not have the information, and the tax collector did not return a call for comment.

Yellow police tape surrounds the property, which is in a densely populated neighborhood. The beige-colored cottage is still standing, but fire ripped through the structure, and the interior is charred black from the flames.

Firefighters from Wales, Brimfield, Holland, Monson and Stafford Springs, Conn., responded, as well as Brimfield ambulance.

The video was played in the high school auditorium, and some of the guests in attendance wiped tears from their eyes as they watched it.

The Republican | John SuchockiPictured are Ware High School students who took part in the making of a domestic violence video that won a contest sponsored by the Northwestern District Attorney's office. Northwestern District Attorney David E. Sullivan (center) presented a $100 check to junior Samantha C. Simons, left, a member of the school domestic violence task force, who gave it to Monica M. Moran, right, coordinator of the Ware Domestic Violence Task Force.

WARE — With REM's "Everybody Hurts" playing in the background, the students in the video held handmade posters describing the signs of an abuser: wants to pick your friends, is jealous and possessive, puts you down in front of your friends, is violent, brags about mistreating others.

The video, made by the Ware High School Domestic Violence Task Force, was recognized on Wednesday by staff from the Northwestern District Attorney's Office, including District Attorney David E. Sullivan.

The project won a music video contest sponsored by the district attorney's office based on the ideals of the White Ribbon Campaign, which offers men an opportunity to take a stand against violence against women by wearing a white ribbon and taking the pledge: "From this day forward ... I pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women and girls including sexual assault and domestic and dating violence."

The video was played in the high school auditorium, and some of the guests in attendance wiped tears from their eyes as they watched it. The students received $100 for winning the contest, money they turned over to Monica M. Moran, coordinator of the Ware Domestic Violence Task Force, to continue to support programs like the one at the high school.

"We knew you were going to win this," Moran said. "It was so well done."

In the video, the students also held posters with suggestions on how to help victims of domestic violence. There were phone numbers for Safe Passage and Womanshelter/Companeras. There was advice: express comfort and support, don't judge, and tell a friend, parent or teacher you trust. It closed with the students saying "We pledge to be part of the solution."

Mary A. Kociela, the district attorney's director of domestic violence projects, spoke of the video's level of sophistication, and how it was done in "such a touching, simple way." She was one of the judges.

"I've had people say, 'I wish this kind of thing was around when I was in school,' " Kociela said.

Moran said she got the same reactions.

"You can change the culture of your generation way more than any of us can," Moran told the students. "I'm 100 percent (certain) that you have prevented domestic violence."

Sullivan called the video "awesome" and said it gets the message across to not be a bystander if one witnesses domestic violence.

Kociela said Granby High School and Franklin County Technical School also submitted videos for the contest. All three videos can be seen on the Northwestern District Attorney’s YouTube page at http://www.youtube.com/user/NWDAMass?feature=mhee.

Math teacher Daniel Orszulak, advisor to the high school domestic violence task force, said this was the first music video that his group has done. Sophomore Heather C. Bouchard said winning the contest "felt good because we put so much effort into making the video."

Junior Matthew E. Crane said he feels his generation needs to be more aware about the problem of domestic violence.

"It's a good honor," Crane said about winning the contest. "It makes you feel good, like you're doing something right."

Junior Samantha C. Simons said they had staff and students, both male and female, take the white ribbon pledge. The video was shown to the entire school.

"A lot of people seemed to like it," Simons said.

Betty Guetti, another judge who is a domestic violence survivor, police trainer and speaker on the subject, said in a statement, “It’s great to have these young people show that they feel domestic and dating violence is wrong. It gives me hope for the future.”

The White Ribbon Campaign is an international event established in 1989 after a gunman opened fire and killed 14 female engineering students in Montreal, Canada.

The new collective bargaining agreement for school nurses mirrors those of other School Department employees.

Republican file photo

WEST SPRINGFIELD — The School Committee has unanimously approved a three-year collective bargaining agreement for school nurses that offers no cost-of-living raises for fiscal 2012, the current financial year.

The board adopted the pact Tuesday with the local unit of the Massachusetts Nurses Association.

School Department Business Manager Carey G. Sheehan said the agreement mirrors that of the ones settled with other collective bargaining units representing School Department employees. Those groups include unions representing teachers, custodians, clerical workers, food service employees and teacher aides.

The second year of the contract offers a 1 percent cost-of-living raise plus another 1 percent increase halfway through the academic year. The third year offers no cost-of-living increase, but provides for an $800 pay increase for employees at the top salary step.

The pact allows employees to use two of their sick days to stay out of work when a family member is ill. It also includes language changes that raise the cost of health insurance co-payments, making such services as an emergency room visit cost employees $100, according to Sheehan.

There are nine full-time school nurses and one part-time school nurse. The starting rate this year for a nurse with a bachelor’s degree is $49,761, and the annual pay for a nurse with a master’s degree and five years experience is $58,076.

Representatives of the nurses’ union could not be reached for comment.

Family members say they believe Caleigh Anne Harrison may have been abducted since she hasn't been found.

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ROCKPORT — A state police spokesman says an intensive investigation, including divers and boats, hasn't found a 2-year-old girl who disappeared last week from a Rockport beach, or any evidence she was the victim of a crime.

David Procopio said Wednesday divers will search again offshore on Thursday for Caleigh Anne Harrison of Gloucester. No more searches are scheduled unless there's new evidence.

Procopio said 24 divers along with boats worked Wednesday off Cape Hedge beach, near Long Beach where she was last seen April 19 playing with her mother and 4-year-old sister. Her mother says she turned away for about two minutes to retrieve a ball, and Caleigh was gone when she returned.

Family members say they believe Caleigh may have been abducted since she hasn't been found. They're circulating her picture, hoping someone has seen her.

Caleigh Anne Harrison