Latest news with #ChristopherGavin
Boston Globe
4 days ago
- General
- Boston Globe
Rhode Island DMV warns of surge in fraudulent text messages
Officials shared an example of one of the messages, which states the alert is a 'final notice' from the 'Department of Motor Vehicles.' Get Rhode Map A weekday briefing from veteran Rhode Island reporters, focused on the things that matter most in the Ocean State. Enter Email Sign Up 'Enforcement Penalties Begin on May 30,' the message reads. 'Our records indicate that you currently have an unpaid traffic violation… Please pay immediately before enforcement to avoid license suspension and further legal disputes…' According to the DMV, the messages cite 'fictitious legal code and link to fraudulent websites.' The agency said it does not send requests for payments or threats through text messages – the DMV sends information through the US Mail – and emphasized the public should not click on any suspicious links, as doing so could expose 'individuals to identify theft, malware, or financial fraud.' 'Scammers are continually preying on people's fears to manipulate them into revealing personal and financial information,' DMV Administrator Walter R. Craddock said in a statement. 'We encourage all Rhode Islanders to stay alert and verify their driving privileges only through reliable, official sources.' Advertisement Officials said fraudulent messages can be reported to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at 'Rhode Island residents who have concerns about their DMV records should utilize our Online DMV Customer Portal at Christopher Gavin can be reached at
Boston Globe
06-05-2025
- Boston Globe
R.I. therapist surrenders license over ‘non-professional relationship' with underage client
The client was a 'student under the age of 18' who resided at the career training and education facility, the order states. Advertisement R.I. Department of Health and the state Board of Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists received complaints alleging Vescera was involved in the relationship with the student, according to the order. Get Rhode Island News Alerts Sign up to get breaking news and interesting stories from Rhode Island in your inbox each weekday. Enter Email Sign Up 'In the course of RIDOH's investigation into the allegations, [Vescera] submitted false and misleading statements to RIDOH in an effort to conceal her non-professional relationship … and to thwart RIDOH's investigation,' the document states. In August 2023, RIDOH found the allegations against Vescera were 'reliable' and The department notified Vescera in March that a hearing would be held to determine whether her license 'should be revoked or otherwise disciplined,' as she was charged with unprofessional conduct as a licensed mental health counselor 'based on violations' of state law and the National Board of Certified Counselors 'Code of Ethics,' the order states. Advertisement Under the terms of the order, Vescera agreed to voluntarily and permanently surrender her license and to fulfill 'any continuing obligations she may have with respect to the handling of client records and the appropriate transfer of client records.' Vescera could not be reached for comment on Tuesday. According to court records, Vescera does not face any criminal charges. Christopher Gavin can be reached at
Boston Globe
30-04-2025
- General
- Boston Globe
Eight entangled seals rescued off Block Island after state installs camera, officials say
Included with the post is a photo of one of the seals rescued, which the agency said is 'currently making great progress in rehabilitation at Mystic Aquarium' in Connecticut. Advertisement The department reminded the public that approaching seals is prohibited under the marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as it can create stress for them and spread diseases. People should stay at least 150 feet away from the mammals. Sightings of entangled or distressed seals should be reported to the aquarium by calling its hotline at (860) 572-5955, extension 107, the department said. Christopher Gavin can be reached at
Boston Globe
28-04-2025
- Boston Globe
Providence man in ‘stable' condition after being shot by Johnston police officer he allegedly struck with a car
Officials have previously said Peterson is expected to survive. According to authorities, police responded to a report of a possible disturbance at a Shell gas station at 1396 Hartford Ave. in Johnston at around 11:30 p.m. Saturday. A third-party caller reported a 'potential argument' between a man and a woman in the parking lot, police said. At the scene, officers found both of them, with the man 'seated alone in the driver's seat of a white Nissan Sentra, positioned in the parking lot facing out toward Hartford Avenue,' police said. Get Rhode Island News Alerts Sign up to get breaking news and interesting stories from Rhode Island in your inbox each weekday. Enter Email Sign Up 'As one of the responding officers exited his patrol vehicle, the driver of the Sentra accelerated forward, striking the officer,' police said. 'At that time, the officer discharged his service weapon, firing multiple rounds at the driver.' Advertisement The Sentra continued north across Hartford Avenue before it hit a pylon and came to a stop, police said. Officers provided medical aid to the driver, who was later identified as Peterson and brought to the hospital. 'The involved officer sustained minor injuries during the incident,' police said. 'He was transported to the hospital for evaluation and treatment and was subsequently discharged.' According to police, at the time of Saturday's shooting, Peterson was wanted on a warrant from Rhode Island State Police on charges of obstructing an officer and reckless driving. Advertisement Peterson was arraigned at the hospital on Sunday evening on charges of felony assault, assault of a police officer, obstructing a police officer, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, and 'reckless driving and other offenses against public safety,' police said. Peterson is being held without bail as a probation and bail violator, according to authorities. The shooting will be investigated by members of the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office, State Police, and the Johnston Police Department, as required by protocol, officials said. Christopher Gavin can be reached at
Boston Globe
24-04-2025
- Boston Globe
Four arrested after two teens were allegedly robbed at gunpoint in R.I. shopping plaza
According to officials, officers responded around 5:34 p.m. to a report of an armed robbery in Chapel View Plaza, where the two victims – ages 14 and 16 – reported four men confronted them. Advertisement One of them brandished a firearm and threatened to shoot one of the teens, police allege. The suspects demanded the two teens turn over their personal belongings, including a pair of designer Balenciaga sneakers, a Spider brand sweatshirt, and jewelry, authorities said. Get Rhode Island News Alerts Sign up to get breaking news and interesting stories from Rhode Island in your inbox each weekday. Enter Email Sign Up 'The suspects fled the scene in a vehicle, later identified as a ride-share operated by a registered driver,' police said. Through the investigation, police recovered the stolen items, officials said, noting one suspect was wearing the allegedly stolen sneakers when he was taken into custody. Police said additional victims have since come forward 'linking the same suspects to other robberies,' and that the investigation remains ongoing. 'Our officers acted swiftly and with great professionalism to identify and apprehend the individuals responsible for these violent acts,' Cranston Police Chief Michael Winquist said in a statement. 'We thank our partner agencies for their cooperation and urge any additional victims or witnesses to contact our department.' Advertisement Police said those with information for detectives can call 401-942-2211 or can submit an anonymous tip by testing CRANSTONPD with the tip to 847411. Christopher Gavin can be reached at
