Five men from various communities are facing serious charges following a child exploitation operation this past weekend.
Meanwhile, lightning struck twice at one branch of a popular convenience store chain as it sold two winning lottery tickets.
Plus, a city leader was arrested on federal financial crimes that date back to the COVID-19 pandemic.
5 Charged In Marlborough Child Exploitation Operation
The men are facing charges after being accused of traveling to Marlborough to meet someone they believed was a 14-year-old girl. All reportedly traveled to the city and were arrested on charges of paying for sexual conduct with a child under 18, enticement of a child under 16, and attempt to commit a crime. In addition to Marlborough, the arrestees also came from Burlington, Malden, and Springfield.
2 Huge Scratch-Off Winners Sold At Same Wakefield Store
Two separate $10,000 winning tickets in the $5,000,000 100X CASHWORD instant game were sold Monday, Aug. 3, at the 7-Eleven in Wakefield. $5,000,000 100X CASHWORD is a $20 scratch-off ticket. Retailers that sell winning tickets typically receive a bonus from the Lottery.
Lawrence Mayor Arrested On Wire Fraud And Money Laundering Charges
Brian DePeña found himself at the center of a federal case, when authorities arrested the two-term mayor on wire fraud and money laundering charges tied to COVID-era relief funds. Prosecutors said DePeña improperly steered money intended for his tire business toward other expenses, including his 2021 mayoral campaign and personal financial obligations. DePeña appeared in federal court, where a judge imposed several conditions.
Woman Bit By Fox In Worcester, Animal Euthanized
A woman was hospitalized after she was bitten by a fox behind a Granite Street home in the morning. The woman suffered injuries to her foot and was taken to a local hospital. The fox was located and euthanized and, according to police, will be sent to the state for rabies testing.
2 Hospitalized After Stabbing Near Boston Dunkin'
Two people suffered injuries following a stabbing in the area of 30 Lancaster Street. The stabbing reportedly occurred outside a Dunkin' near the MBTA's North Station. According to police, one of the victims suffered life-threatening injuries. No arrests have been made.
Massachusetts Issues Emergency Order Restricting Sale Of Kratom
Department of Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein issued an emergency order temporarily restricting the sale of the controlled substance. Kratom is an herbal extract from a Southeast Asian tropical tree and is sold as an energy booster, mood lifter, pain reliever, and remedy for the symptoms of quitting opioids, according to the Mayo Clinic, which described the substance as unsafe and ineffective. According to the governor's office, it has been linked to seizures, hallucinations, psychosis, physical dependence, and withdrawal symptoms.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Across Massachusetts Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.