Today's polls: Do you agree with Hampden District Attorney Mark G. Mastroianni's decision to end prosecution against Melvin Jones III on drug and resisting arrest charges?
04.07.2011 | HOLYOKE - A woman walks her dog early Thursday near the edge of Pulaski Park, off Lyman Street.The Forecast
This morning's sky was a long flood of warm colors that began well before the sun finally broke the horizon.
It looks like the day's going to be a nice one.
The National Weather Service predicts a sunny high of 54 today, and the radio's saying 58.
And even more to look forward to for the weekend -- right now, the forecast is calling for sun and highs in the low 60s.
Only another week until opening day at the Quabbin.
Today's Poll
Yesterday, Hampden District Attorney Mark G. Mastroianni announced he was ending the prosecution of a Hampden Superior Court drug case against Melvin Jones III. Jones had been charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine (as a subsequent offender) and resisting arrest in connection with his November 2009 arrest.
An amateur video of the arrest appeared to show officers severely beating Jones during a struggle (police maintained he'd tried to grab an officer's gun), sparking claims of police brutality. Former patrolman Jeffrey M. Asher now faces assault charges in connection with that arrest, and several other officers were disciplined.
Jones still faces cases in District Court for shoplifting and domestic assault and battery.
Of his decision to drop the drug case, Mastroianni said he has “applied the appropriate ethical and legal standards in reaching my decision.” Police Commissioner William J. Fitchet said he was sure it was a difficult decision for Mastroianni to make.
In a press release, Mastroianni wrote:
“These charges relate to an incident which also gave rise to one of the arresting officers being charged criminally for his alleged conduct during the arrest. It is my opinion the available evidence does not allow for consistent and credible prosecutions of both defendants related to this incident. It is my conclusion, considering all available evidence, that the interests of justice are best served by the termination of Mr. Jones’ prosecution prior to trial.”What do you think -- did Mastroianni make the right call in dropping the drug case against Melvin Jones III? Vote in our poll, offer your thoughts in the comments and check back tomorrow for the results.
Wednesday's results: Yesterday, we asked, "Should online retailers be required to collect the Massachusetts sales tax from customers?" 27 people voted. 88.39% chose "no," and 11.11% chose "yes."
Wednesday's Top 5
The top 5 headlines on MassLive.com on April 6 were:
- Springfield school bus drivers fed up with student harassment, violence and lack of action by administrators
- Gabriele Brin-Martin of Holyoke, Mohegan Sun million-dollar slot winner, had The Force on her side
- Developing: Hampden County District Attorney Mark Mastroianni drops drug prosecution against Melvin Jones III
- Victoria the Chihuahua, 'dognapped' from T.J. O'Connor Animal Control Center in Springfield, safely returned - with new green dress to boot
- Springfield police charge 34-year-old Michael Pacheco with drunken driving (third offense) and operating under influence of cocaine
Quote of the Day
“I am at the mercy of Mr. and Mrs. Lot Number 20.....That doesn’t give me a nice, warm fuzzy feeling."
— West Springfield resident William J. Rogalski, voicing his opposition to a subdivision proposed for land off Piper Road. Current residents are concerned the subdivision will direct runoff onto their property and worsen water pressure problems in the area. Read Sandra Constantine's article here.