New England Public Radio

The Week Ahead On Beacon Hill

Former Massachusetts House Speaker Sal DiMasi will leave prison Tuesday. That’s after a federal judge last week granted him an early release from his sentence for corruption, as DiMasi deals with health issues. He battled cancer in prison, and he’s able to leave early thanks to “compassionate release” laws on the federal level. A similar law does not exist on the state level in Massachusetts, but that could change in the wake of DiMasi’s release.

According to State House News Service reporter Matt Murphy, leaders of both the House and Senate have expressed support for the policy. The Senate passed a bill on the subject in July. It’s currently in committee in the House.

For more on the prospect of “compassionate release” legislation in Massachusetts, click the audio player above to hear NEPR’s Henry Epp interview reporter Matt Murphy of the State House News Service.

Former Lee, Mass. Police Chief Heads To Prison

Former Lee, Massachusetts police chief Joseph Buffis is now locked up, beginning a 27-month prison sentence for a corruption conviction.

Buffis surrendered to law enforcement Tuesday after a federal court hearing. Berkshire Eagle court reporter Bob Dunn says Buffis’ surrender ends an emotional court case.

“It’s been a long process, there were a lot of delays along the way that frustrated people on both ends,” says Dunn. “Now that there’s some closure, I think that’s probably good for all involved.”

Buffis was convicted last year of of coercing a $4,000 donation to a charity toy fund from a couple who was suspected of prostitution. He was found not guilty on ten other charges alleging he stole money from the charity for his personal use. Buffis will begin his sentence at the Wyatt Detention Facility in Rhode Island.

Former Lee, Mass. Police Chief Sentenced To 27 Months In Prison For Extortion

Former Lee, Massachusetts police chief Joseph Buffis was sentenced to 27 months in prison today on a federal extortion charge. Buffis was convicted last year of coercing a $4,000 donation to a charity toy fund from a couple who was suspected of prostitution. Buffis was found not guilty on ten other charges alleging he stole money from the charity for his personal use.

Buffis choked up as he addressed the federal courtroom in Springfield before he was sentenced. He apologized to his family, and the citizens of Lee, and said he takes responsibility for his actions. But that didn’t convince Judge Mark Mastroianni, who said Buffis has not fully recognized the impact of his crime.

Defense attorney Lori Levinson says she’s disappointed in the outcome.

“I do respect Judge Mastroianni, I know he didn’t make the decision lightly,” Levinson says. “I know he was very thoughtful, but obviously we do believe a sentence of probation would’ve been appropriate.”

Levinson says Buffis will appeal the sentence.

Prosecutor Steven Breslow says he believes it’s the first conviction in western Massachusetts for a police chief abusing their office.

On his way out of court, Buffis thanked reporters, and added “God bless America, vote for Donald Trump.”

Buffis won’t be able to vote, however.  He must turn himself in to authorities within four weeks.

 

Prisons Are Off The Table For Hampshire College Investments

Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts, says it will not invest in private prison or security companies. The school’s board adopted the policy earlier this month.

The small liberal arts college will not put its endowment money in prison, security and surveillance companies. A group of student activists pushed for the change. Hampshire has previously barred college investments in fossil fuels and weapons manufacturers.

“It is very important for the college to act consistent in its values, not only in what we teach, but in what we do,” says college President Jonathan Lash.

The move was not exactly difficult for Hampshire, as the college did not hold any stocks in private prison companies. Earlier this year, Columbia University became the first college in the U.S. to divest from prisons

Hampden Sheriff Pauses Plan For Treatment Center Relocation To Springfield’s North End

It’s been a tricky few weeks for perhaps the most seasoned of politicians in western Massachusetts. Hampden County Sheriff Michael Ashe has been on the defensive over a proposed site in Springfield’s North End for a substance abuse treatment center for inmates that his office runs. Many North End residents worry it’ll be a major setback for their neighborhood. Ashe came to our studios yesterday to make his case for the site, a vacant lot on Wason Avenue.

A few hours after the interview, however, the sheriff’s office said it had a deal with the state to put the North End development on hold, and open up the site selection process for another 60 business days. The North End, it seems, may not be the new home of the Western Massachusetts Correctional Alcohol Center. It all depends on what other bids come in, and how other residents react.

To hear an interview with Hampden County Sheriff Michael Ashe, click on the audio player above.

Summer Fiction: Roland Merullo’s ‘The Return’

Our summer fiction series continues with “The Return,” a novel about a gambling addict, his family and the mafia – looking for payback. It’s based in Revere, Massachusetts – the hometown of author Roland Merullo, who now lives in the hills of Hampshire County. Merullo says he’s been writing seriously for thirty-seven years.

Listen to Merullo’s interview with New England Public Radio’s Carrie Healy by clicking on the audio player above.