ADA: Worcester Police Union Leader Influenced Plea Offer in Haxhiaj Case

WORCESTER – Northwestern Assistant District Attorney Stephen Gagne and New England Police Benevolent Association (NEPBA) Local 911 President Thomas Duffy II met multiple times leading up to the trial of former Worcester City Councilor Etel Haxhiaj, according to an Assistant District Attorney within the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office.

Prior to Haxhiaj’s trial, Gagne made a plea offer to both Haxhiaj and Ashley Spring to end the criminal cases they faced in connection with the arrest of a woman by federal agents on Eureka Street on May 8. The offer included the unusual requirement that Haxhiaj and Spring sign a joint press release alongside Gagne.

According to the same Assistant District Attorney within the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office, Duffy had a significant influence over the text of the joint press release Gagne required both women to sign alongside him as part of the plea offer. The ADA also says Gagne and Duffy met on multiple occasions.

The NEPBA Local 911 represents the patrol officers within the Worcester Police Department. Another union represents law enforcement holding ranks of sergeant and above.

Worcester County District Attorney Joe Early Jr. recused his office from the case. The office of Northwestern District Attorney David Sullivan led the prosecution.

After a hearing in Haxhiaj’s case in September, Gange told This Week in Worcester, “have no interest in the case and do not know any of the parties. Whether the result makes the defendants upset or the WPD upset, I will be back to work in Northampton.”

Haxhiaj rejected the offer and elected to go to trial. Spring accepted a plea offer that leaves her facing pre-trial probation that expires on the one-year anniversary of the incident on May 8, 2026. A jury convicted Haxhiaj of assault and battery on a public official and acquitted her on a charge of interference with police. Both women will complete community service.

The director of communications for the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office said, “we have no comment at this time” in response to inquiries by This Week in Worcester. about the relationship and meetings between Gagne and Duffy. The office also declined an interview request with Northwestern District Attorney David Sullivan.

The Worcester Police Department and the office of City Manager Eric Batista did not respond to inquiries by This Week in Worcester.

Elizabeth Holloran, Haxhiaj’s attorney, attempted to call Duffy as a witness in Haxhiaj’s trial. In response to Gagne’s objection, Judge Zachary Hillman prohibited Duffy’s testimony.

Halloran offered the following statement in response to an inquiry by This Week in Worcester:

“In her role on the city council, Etel called for change within the WPD in the wake of the DOJ report. Thomas Duffy utilized the public platform afforded to him as the union president to make statements asserting his disdain for Etel. The union issued a statement regarding the incident on Eureka Street the day prior to the filing of an application for criminal complaint. This did not appear to be a coincidence, particularly given that the role of chief was being held in an interim capacity at the time. The purpose for including him on the witness list was to elicit testimony to provide that information and context to the jury.”

Halloran included that she felt Judge Hillman was fair throughout the trial.

Timeline

Duffy has previously called some members of the city council “anti-police activists” during the council’s last term. City Councilor At-Large Khrystian King and Haxhiaj were the two most outspoken councilors calling for additional police oversight mechanisms after the release of the U.S. Department of Justice summary report of its pattern and practice investigation into the Worcester Police Department.

Haxhiaj won reelection in 2023 after being challenged by now-Councilor Rivera. Officials of the NEPBA Local 911 strongly supported Rivera for election.

On May 9, the day after the incident on Eureka Street that led to charges against Haxhiaj and Spring, the NEPBA Local 911 issued a press release that included a statement by Duffy calling for an ethics investigation of Haxhiaj. It that statement, Duffy said, “Of particular concern in this case, one of our elected policy makers and someone who has created this difficult task for the police, District 5 City Councilor, Etel Haxhiaj, incited aggression towards the police during the incident.”

The Worcester Police Department filed an application for criminal charges against Haxhiaj, with Officer Shauna McGuirk as the complaining witness, on May 12. A magistrate approved those charges in June.

As This Week in Worcester previously reported, according to multiple sources within the Worcester Police Department, between May 8 and the charges against Haxhiaj being filed on May 12, Duffy confronted Worcester Chief of Police Paul Saucier  in a common area outside the chief’s office within the police department headquarters. Those sources say Duffy screamed at Saucier during the confrontation, which drew the attention of several nearby people.

Several additional sources have confirmed the confrontation since the time of publication.

The Worcester Police Department used a Facebook post to deny that the confrontation took place. All four deputy chiefs and some captains signed on to the statement. Some captains declined the request to sign on.

Duffy filed a civil lawsuit alleging defamation against the principal of This Week in Worcester, Tom Marino.

As This Week in Worcester previously reported, before a hearing related Haxhiaj’s case in September, Duffy entered the courtroom prior to its being open to the public and conversed with Gagne.

The NEPBA Local 911 issued formal endorsements of candidates for city council in 2025, unlike in recent election years, and actively campaigned for its endorsements. The union again strongly supported Rivera.

Despite several meetings between Gagne and Duffy, the relationship between the two and the extent of Duffy’s impact on the case are unclear. The determination of violations of applicable laws and rules of professional conduct standards would require a formal investigation.

Gardner Woman Charged in Federal Court for Social Security Fraud

WORCESTER – A Gardner woman faces federal charges for allegedly receiving Social Security disability benefits fraudulently for 10 years.

Michelle DiSalvo, 53, of Gardner, will appear in U.S. District Court in Worcester at a later date to face one count of receipt of stolen government money or property; one count of Social Security fraud; and one count of false statements.

According to federal prosecutors, DiSalvo allegedly received over $93,000 in Social Security disability benefits she knew she did not qualify for from October 2013 to October 2023. The allegations include that DiSalvo concealed information from the Social Security Administration with the intent to fraudulently obtain benefits. They also allege she submitted a fraudulent lease agreement in October 2023.

Prosecutors also allege that DiSalvo omitted her husband from the lease agreement, as his income would affect the amount of her benefits.

The charge of receipt of stolen government money or property provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater.

The charge of Social Security fraud provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater.

The charge of false statements provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater.

See Cancellations for Tuesday Feb. 24 and Local Snowfall Totals

WORCESTER – Worcester Public Schools, all Worcester Public Library branches, the Worcester Senior Center, and the Residential Drop-Off Center will remain closed on Tuesday, Feb. 24.

Worcester City Hall will remain closed during the day, but will open at 5 PM for the Worcester City Council meeting.

The Winter Weather Emergency and Declared Parking Ban remain in effect. Trash and recycling pickup is also cancelled for Tuesday.

The National Weather Service reports snowfall totals across the region. Here are its latest totals, along with the time of reporting the measurement.

• Milford, 17.7 in – 2:16 PM
• Whitinsville, 14.0 in – 2:10 PM
• Westborough, 13.5 in – 2:08 PM
• Boylston, 13.0 in – 2:30 PM
• Barre, 13.0 in – 1:59 PM
• East Douglas, 12.7 in – 12:17 PM
• Northborough, 12.6 in – 3:12 PM
• Rutland, 12.5 in – 2:30 PM
• Leominster, 12.0 in – 1:10 PM
• Worcester, 12.0 in – 12:30 PM
• Sutton, 11.5 in – 12:30 PM
• Fiskdale, 11.4 in – 12:36 PM
• Sturbridge, 10.5 in – 1:00 PM
• Lunenburg, 10.1 in – 3:12 PM
• Fiskdale, 8.0 in – 2:30 PM
• Warren, 7.5 in – 2:30 PM
• Clinton, 7.0 in – 2:44 PM
• Charlton, 6.8 in – 1:04 PM

Winter Weather Emergency Declared in Worcester

WORCESTER – The City of Worcester declared a winter weather emergency effective at 3 PM on Saturday, Feb. 21.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Winter Storm Warning across a large part of Massachusetts that goes into effect on Sunday, Feb. 22, at 4 PM and runs through Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 7 AM Tuesday. The NWS says residents should expect between 10 and 20 inches of snow with winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

The emergency declaration issued by City Mnager Eric Batista says that drivers should avoid the non-essential use of city streets as of 4 PM on Sunday, Feb. 22.

Worcester Public Schools, all Worcester Public Library branches, Worcester City Hall, and the Residential Drop-Off Center will be closed on Monday, Feb. 23.

The city announced a declared parking ban on Wednesday, Feb. 18, that remains in effect.

During the declared winter parking ban, parking is prohibited on either side of primary arteries, emergency and bus routes, and streets in the downtown area critical to the flow of traffic. On all other streets, parking is only permitted on the odd-numbered side of the street, unless otherwise posted. Find the specific restrictions on your street on the City of Worcester website.

Municipal parking garages are free of charge to any vehicle that enters until the Declared Winter Parking Ban is lifted.

The following garages are included:

• Federal Plaza Garage – 570 Main St.
• Pearl & Elm Garage – 20 Pearl St.
• Worcester Common Garage – 3 Eaton Place
• Union Station Garage – 225 Franklin St.
• Major Taylor Blvd Garage – 30 Major Taylor Blvd.

Towing and ticketing will be enforced to keep streets clear.

For questions, residents should contact Worcester 311 by dialing 3-1-1, emailing 311@worcesterma.gov, or visiting worcesterma.gov/311.

Worcester Seeks Resident Input Future Use of Hall Inside Union Station

WORCESTER – The Worcester Redevelopment Authority (WRA) seeks resident input as it begins its process to select a tenant for Grand Hall operations and the adjoining restaurant space at Union Station.

The current lease with Maxwell Luciano’s, which has inhabited the space for 18 years, expires on June 30.

The WRA hosts a public listening session on Wednesday, Feb. 25, on the second floor of Union Station in the Cannabis Control Commission conference room.

During the listening session, the WRA seeks feedback and ideas from community members on the best use of the space.

Community feedback will inform the request for proposal (RFP) process for the use of the space. The WRA expects to begin advertising the for RFPs in March.

Construction of Union Station was completed in 1911. Significant restoration took place from 1998 to 2000.

The Grand Hall has hosted several events, including weddings and banquets. Service to event attendees comes from the restaurant space.

Mass. Issues Tax Credits for Local Housing Projects

PITTSFIELD – Governor Maura Healey announced funding from over $145 million in tax credits and subsidies to support housing production across Massachusetts, including support for projects in Fitchburg and Worcester.

The local project received credits from the Commercial Conversion Tax Credit Initiative (CCTCI), a program created in the Affordable Homes Act signed into law in August 2024. CCTCI supports the conversion of empty or rundown commercial buildings into new homes.

The governor announced $8.4 million in CCTCI tax credits, including $3.6 million for 198 rental units at One Chestnut Place in Worcester, the former headquarters of Fallon Heath, at 22 Elm Street.

The Main Street Lofts @ 280 project in Fitchburg, with 35 rental units, received nearly $1.3 million in tax credits.

“Too many downtown buildings across Massachusetts are sitting dark and empty when they could be part of the solution to our housing shortage,” said Healey. “The Affordable Homes Act gave us new tools to move faster and smarter, and this first round of Commercial Conversion tax credits will help turn under-used commercial properties into homes, bring new energy to our downtowns and lower housing costs for residents.

The governor also announced $139.5 million in Affordable Housing awards, which include grants and tax credits to support 15 projects across the state.

None of those projects are in Worcester County.

Image Credit: Google

Declared Parking Ban Begins Feb. 18 1 PM in Worcester

WORCESTER – A declared winter parking ban in Worcester goes into effect at 1 PM on Wednesday, Jan. 18. The National Weather Service (NWS) reports a potential snowfall of two to four inches between Wednesday at 1 PM to Thursday at 4 AM.

During the Declared Winter Parking Ban, parking is prohibited on either side of primary arteries, emergency and bus routes, and streets in the downtown area critical to the flow of traffic. On all other streets, parking is only permitted on the odd numbered side of the street, unless otherwise posted. Find the specific restrictions on your street at the City of Worcester website.

Municipal parking garages are free of charge to any vehicle that enters until the Declared Winter Parking Ban is lifted.

The following garages are included:

• Federal Plaza Garage – 570 Main St.
• Pearl & Elm Garage – 20 Pearl St.
• Worcester Common Garage – 3 Eaton Place
• Union Station Garage – 225 Franklin St.
• Major Taylor Blvd Garage – 30 Major Taylor Blvd.

Towing and ticketing will be enforced to keep streets clear.

For questions, residents should contact Worcester 311 by dialing 3-1-1, emailing 311@worcesterma.gov, or visiting worcesterma.gov/311.

Worcester Fire Fighters Union Announces Death of Capt. Jason Couture, 51

WORCESTER – The Worcester Fire Fighters Local 1009 announced the death of Worcester Fire Department Captain Jason Couture on Monday, Feb. 16. He was 51 years old.

Couture is survived by his wife, Michelle, two sons, three grandchildren, and both his parents.

Couture died at Mass General Hospital on Thursday, Feb. 12, surrounded by family. The union and obituaries did not provide a cause of death.

Born in Worcester, Couture graduated from Burncoat Senior High School before joining the United States Navy. He later earned a bachelor’s degree at Becker College.

Couture served within the Worcester Fire Department, first at the Greendale Fire Station, then at Park Avenue and Webster Square. He was most recently assigned to the Franklin Street Fire Station as the captain of Ladder One, Group Two.

There will be no calling hours. The funeral service, scheduled for Feb. 25 at 11 AM, will be held at St. John’s Church, 44 Temple St. in Worcester.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Couture/Mateychuk Scholarship Fundraiser at the Worcester Fire Department Credit Union, 34 Glennie St., Worcester, MA 01605.

Worcester Sex Offender Sentenced for Child Sex Abuse Content

BOSTON – A federal judge sentenced a local man, a registered sex offender, to over a decade in prison for possession of files depicting child sexual abuse material.

Andres DeJesus, 66, of Worcester, travelled to the Dominican Republic, where the country refused to admit him because of his sex offender status. He returned to the United States at Logan Airport in Boston.

According to federal prosecutors, while at Logan Airport, a search of DeJesus’ luggage revealed many articles of children’s clothing and a large amount of chocolate and sweets. A search of his phone found three videos containing child sexual abuse material.

A later forensic search DeJesus’ phone led to the discovery of over 600 images of additional material depicting child sex abuse.

In Middlesex County in 2010, DeJesus was found guilty in Superior Court of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14, possession of child pornography and posing or exhibiting a child in a sexual act. He received a sentence of eight years in state prison.

On Feb. 4, United States District Judge Richard G. Stearns sentenced DeJesus to 12 years in prison, and five years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty in Oct. 025.

Worcester Police Seek Man for Questioning in $15,000 Theft

WORCESTER – The Worcester Police Department is asking for help from the public to identify a man wanted for questioning in connection with the theft of around $15,000 in goods from a local store.

According to the department, the theft took place last week at Sweet Jane’s Designer Consignment, at 120 Main St. in Worcester.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the police through one of the following methods:

• Send an anonymous text to 274637 TIPWPD + your message
• Send an anonymous web-based message at worcesterma.gov/police
• Call the Worcester Police Detective Bureau at (508) 799-8651