Feds: Men Stole Relief Funds, Laundered Through iPhones: Patch PM

ANDOVER, MA — It's Wednesday, Jan. 20. Here's what Patch has been covering in the Merrimack Valley and across Massachusetts today.

A Lawrence man and a Methuen man were indicted Tuesday on multiple fraud charges. Prosecutors said the two men used stolen identities to defraud the Small Business Administration's Economic Injury Disaster Loans program of over $452,000.

Darwyn Joseph, 24, of Lawrence and Ramon Joseph Cruz, Jr., 24, of Methuen were both indicted on four counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.

According to the U.S. Attorney's office, the two men used stolen identities to open bank accounts. They linked those bank accounts to other fraudulent bank accounts set up to receive Economic Injury Disaster Loans funds, and then laundered the funds into $250,000 worth of iPhones. Read More.

Also in the Merrimack Valley

MBTA Wins $1 Million Federal Grant For North Wilmington Station

The MBTA has received a $1 million federal grant for improvements to the North Wilmington Station on the Haverhill Commuter Rail Line, the agency said Tuesday.

The grant will be used to relocate and rebuild the current station platform along a section of single track adjacent to Route 62. This will allow a new ADA-compliant boarding area and enable trains to stop outside the vehicle grade crossing.

Chelmsford High International Exchange Pivots Amid Pandemic

While student exchange programs have played a key role in language and culture learning for decades at Chelmsford High School, the pandemic has put a pause on any even the thought of international travel for the time being.

But as with so many things these days, the World Language and Cultural Exchange Program at Chelmsford High School pivoted to find ways to keep the spirit of international connection alive amid uncertainty.

Nashoba Tech Wins $10K Grant For Dog Training Area

Nashoba Valley Technical High School will have an outdoor area to teach students to learn how to train dogs, thanks to a $10,125 grant from the Westford Education Foundation.

Across Massachusetts

Watch: Stephen Colbert Jokes About Wayland Potato Mystery

The mystery of several (possibly baked) potatoes found scattered at the Wayland Free Public Library is now nationally famous.

Stephen Colbert joked about last week's discovery on Tuesday's episode of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert." The former "Colbert Report" host featured news clips from Wayland Patch, CBS Boston and the MetroWest Daily News in the segment, part of a regular routine about goings-on during the pandemic.

Fatal Road Rage Incident In Belmont Under Investigation

A road rage incident in Belmont on Tuesday left one person dead and another facing assault charges.

Dean Kapsalis, 54 of Hudson was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan said more charges could follow. A car accident was reported on Tuesday afternoon on Upland Road in Belmont. When police got to the scene they found a 35-year-old Boston man with life-threatening injuries in the roadway near the driver's side of his car, according to the DA's office.

Two Wenham Selectmen Resign Amid Discrimination Complaint

Wenham is down to just one selectman on its board after two selectmen resigned on Tuesday.

Selectmen John Clemenzi and Jack Wilhelm both stepped down on Tuesday night, following a discrimination complaint against the town and Clemenzi and calls for resignation. Chairman Gary Cheeseman is the only selectman left on the board. He issued a statement on Wednesday reassuring residents that town government functions will carry-on as usual.

'Vibrant' Speech Pathologist Remembered By Wakefield Schools

A speech pathologist found dead in her Wakefield home Tuesday is being remembered as a "vibrant and integral" part of the school district. Wakefield Superintendent Doug Lyons said in a statement this week Pamela Wood was a "beloved staff member at the Greenwood School and Doyle Early Childhood Center."

Wood, 61, was found in the basement of her Otis Street home Tuesday morning. Her son, 23-year-old Timothy Martin, was shot by police after he charged them with a knife, the Middlesex District Attorney's office said.

State Confirms Second Case Of New COVID-19 Variant

A second case of the new strain of coronavirus that originated in the United Kingdom has been confirmed in Massachusetts.

State Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel did not give much information about the new case, which was confirmed Tuesday. She only said it was discovered in the state's Public Health Laboratory.

Also today:

• Colonial Automotive To Pay $1M For Exploiting MA Unemployment: AG
• Worcester Police Seek Crime Predicting Tool, Opposed By Activists
• Stinky Situation: Weston Activist Finds Dead Skunk In Mailbox
• Melrose's Main Street Is Getting Another Mexican Restaurant

And finally today: President Joe Biden was sworn in today, becoming the 47th U.S. president. Did you watch the inauguration?