Crime & Safety

Attack With A Crucifix, Abduction Attempt, Drug Bust: MA Crime

Massachusetts' top crime news also includes sexual misconduct, neglected dog case and attack over parking dispute.

MASSACHUSETTS—A man accused of child rape believed one of his two victims "screwed up [my] life" and was trying to arrange to pay someone $30,000 to kill the teenage girl and her mother. Scott Smith, 38, of Salisbury, was moments away from being released on bail on Tuesday when prosecutors filed an emergency order to have him held as the plans to hire a contract killer came to light. Investigators say Smith discussed the plans with another inmate at the Middleton Jail where he was being held in June. Read more.

Billerica Police arrested a Wilmington man on a felony warrant stemming from a August 22 on an assault on his ex-girlfriend and her acquaintance. Police say Torrey Smith, 39, of Wilmington, broke into the woman's residence and attacked her and another person with a wooden crucifix. One of the victims sustained excessive tissue damage to the nose and face. Read more.

Police in Florida arrested a woman wanted by Burlington Police on Sept. 10. Marie L. Williams, 57, of Orlando, FL, is accused of stealing money and prescription drugs from a disabled, Burlington senior citizen she had been hired to care for. Read more.

Find out what's happening in Across Massachusettsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The man who was accused of hiring a hit man to kill his estranged wife's lover more than a decade ago pleaded guilty Thursday and was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. Read more.

Here are more of the top crime stories from across the Massachusetts Patch network this week. Individuals accused of crimes are presumed innocent.

Find out what's happening in Across Massachusettsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Salem Man Arrested In Massive Merrimack Valley Drug Bust

Authorities arrested 45 people and seized 60 pounds of fentanyl in the year-long federal investigation.

Child Reports Abduction Attempt In Peabody

Peabody Police and Peabody Public Schools are warning parents after a student reported an abduction attempt Tuesday. The student told police that they were walking on Irving Street around 2:50 pm when a man driving a light blue Honda Civic told the student "Get in the car."

Danvers Woman Attacks 72-Year-Old After Parking Dispute

A Market Basket manager told police that Donna Rowe, 57, of Danvers, has been involved in other altercations with customers.

Mexican National Sentenced For Re-Entry: Had 9 Prior Deportations

Bulmaro Enriquez was charged in Framingham with domestic assault and battery and released. He has a lengthy record including drug charges.

Man Sentenced To 17 Years For Cyberstalking, Waltham Bomb Threats

The Newton man said he was going to 'shoot up' a school in Waltham, threatening 'blood and corpses everywhere.'

Head Of MA Environmental Police Suspended, Pending Investigation

Col. James McGinn, the head of the Massachusetts Environmental Police, has been suspended without pay, pending an investigation into "operational issues."

Boston Man Caught On Video Kicking In MBTA Window: Transit Police

When transit police went to arrest a Boston man who they said kicked in a station window, he denied it.

Neglected Dog Found In Brookline Resembles Recent Case, Says ARL

The dog found in Brookline is the same breed and similar condition of dog found in Beverly last week say the Animal Rescue League.

Harvard's Head Diving Coach On Leave Amid Sexual Misconduct Claim

Harvard University placed its head diving coach on leave late Tuesday after allegations of sexual misconduct against surfaced in a lawsuit.

Photo via Shutterstock

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.