By George Graham, ggraham@repub.com SPRINGFIELD — Authorities, touching on the recent rash of unfounded threats against area schools, warned those who make them face potentially serious consequences. Springfield officials and District Attorney joint press conference on school safety District Attorney Anthony Gulluni said Tuesday morning 16 threats have been made on social media against schools throughout […]

By Patrick Johnson, pjohnson@repub.com SPRINGFIELD – Rafael Martinez, a suspect in the 2016 shooting of a Florida man on Jardine Street, was released from custody Monday after posting $50,000 bail. Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni issued a statement that faulted the release as “a dangerous step” by the courts. Martinez, 35, is awaiting trial for the murder […]

By The Republican Newsroom Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni is once again challenging area high school students to participate in his Stop the Swerve Public Service Announcement and Billboard Challenge. “I am grateful to Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance and their administration of the Drunk Driving Trust Fund for the grant funding that will allow our office […]

Updated Dec 14; Posted Dec 14 By Buffy Spencer bspencer@repub.com SPRINGFIELD — Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni said Thursday a judge’s setting of $50,000 cash bail for a murder defendant is “a terrifying precedent and one that I don’t want to see repeated.” On Wednesday, Hampden Superior Court Judge David Ricciardone set bail at $50,000 for Rafael Martinez, charged with the […]

By Buffy Spencer, bspencer@repub.com SPRINGFIELD — The love for Roderick L. Ireland poured out Friday at a Symphony Hall ceremony dedicating the Hampden County Hall of Justice in his name. “I’m almost speechless hearing all of these wonderful things,” Ireland said. “I can’t tell you how much it means to me to see so many dear friends here — […]

Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni(Republican file photo) By Patrick Johnson, pjohnson@repub.com SPRINGFIELD – Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni has been tapped by Gov. Charlie Baker to serve on Baker’s soon-to-be formed anti-hate crime task force, Gulluni’s office announced Monday. His formal appointment will begin as of 4 p.m. Monday when Baker is expected to sign an executive […]

By Patrick Johnson, pjohnson@repub.com SPRINGFIELD – City and county officials announced on Tuesday the formation of a county-wide effort to combat prostitution and human trafficking by targeting those who seek sex for money rather than those who supply it. “Don’t come to Springfield looking for sex because we will be looking for you,” said Deputy Springfield Police […]

By Shira Schoenberg, sschoenberg@repub.com The Massachusetts District Attorneys Association has thrown its weight behind the House version of a criminal justice reform bill. That gives powerful backing to the more moderate of two proposals. The District Attorneys had been strong critics of a reform bill passed by the state Senate. “We believe that the House bill offers […]

Justin J. Orwat, 46, of Springfield(Springfield Police Department) By Jack Flynn, jflynn@repub.com SPRINGFIELD — A Springfield man wanted for a double murder in Vermont is being held on $50,000 bail here after denying an armed robbery last month in Springfield. Justin Orwat, 46, pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Springfield District Court to armed robbery and assault with a […]

(File photo/The Republican) By Buffy Spencer, bspencer@repub.com SPRINGFIELD — A Holyoke man and a Springfield woman have been indicted on involuntary manslaughter and other charges in connection with the death of Jonathan Aguilar, who crashed a car July 21 into a loading dock behind the Holyoke Kmart Plaza on Route 5. A Hampden Superior Court grand jury indicted […]