Billerica Police Charge Man in Connection with Grandparent Scam

Billerica Police | MA Posted on by

BILLERICA 一 Chief Roy Frost reports that the Billerica Police Department arrested and charged a man after he allegedly attempted to steal from a senior resident using the increasingly common grandparent scam.

TONY MEJIA, AGE 37, OF BOSTON, was arrested and charged with:

• Larceny by False Pretenses

On Thursday, Jan. 5, at about 9 a.m., Billerica Police were notified that a 79-year-old resident had received a call from a man claiming to be their grandson, “Bobby.” Police learned that individual claimed he had been arrested for striking a pregnant woman with his car while drunk. He said he was ashamed of what happened, and told the resident that they should not contact anyone else or tell anyone what happened.

The resident has no grandchildren.

Billerica Police detectives responded to the resident’s home, and listened as she called a phone number for an attorney that “Bobby” had provided.

The second individual told the resident their grandson needed $6,000 in bail money to get out of jail, and offered to send a courier to their home to pick up the money.

The courier, later identified as MEJIA, arrived at the home later the same day and accepted a manila envelope full of what appeared to be cash. MEJIA was taken into custody by Billerica Police as he drove away.

MEJIA is scheduled to be arraigned Friday in Lowell District Court.

Grandparent scams and bail scams, as they are commonly called, target grandparents and family members with stories of a grandchild or relative being in urgent trouble, often under arrest. The scams request bail money be provided urgently, and scammers often encourage would-be victims not to contact police or other family members.

“This is a classic example of the grandparent and bail scams that have targeted at least 25 people across Eastern Massachusetts recently,” said Chief Frost. “The resident who was targeted in this instance did exactly the right thing when she immediately called Billerica Police, and helped us make an arrest in an increasingly common type of activity that targets seniors in our communities.”

Billerica Police would like to share the following tips from the Federal Trade Commission regarding these types of scams:

• Resist the urge to act immediately, no matter how dramatic the story is.
• Verify the person’s identity by asking questions that a stranger couldn’t possibly answer.
• Call a phone number for your family member or friend that you know to be genuine.
• Check the story out with someone else in your family or circle of friends, even if you’ve been told to keep it a secret.
• Don’t wire money – or send a check or money order by overnight delivery or courier.
• Remember that police and the courts never take payment by prepaid gift cards.
• Report possible fraud at ftc.gov/complaint or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP.

For more information on grandparent and bail scams, click here.
Residents who believe they may have fallen victim to such a scam are encouraged to contact the Billerica Police Department at 978-671-0900.

These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.

Billerica Police Recognized for Contributions to Cops for Kids with Cancer

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The Billerica Select Board and Town Manager John Curran with Billerica Police and a flag presented by Cops for Kids with Cancer at the Board of Selectmen meeting on Monday night. (Courtesy Billerica Police Department)

 

BILLERICA 一 Chief Roy Frost is proud to announce that the Billerica Police Department was recognized by Cops for Kids with Cancer, a non-profit that works to support the families of children with cancer, at the Billerica Select Board meeting this week.

Cops for Kids with Cancer began as a bet between two police officers in Boston who gave funds to hospitals to support pediatric cancer patients, and later began supporting families directly. The 501(c)(3) charitable organization has since supported 914 families with over $4.75 million in funds that are provided no strings attached to support families in any way they need, whether that be for transportation, food, or incidental costs that often get overlooked as families focus on medical bills. The organization provides families with a $5,000 check to spend as needed.

“Cops for Kids with Cancer has helped us focus on one of our priorities, which is being there for our community,” Chief Frost said. “No one is more deserving than families dealing with the tragedy of a cancer diagnosis in a child.”

Billerica Police have supported Cops for Kids with Cancer for about 15 years. For about half of that time funding for the non-profit has come from all sworn officers of the Billerica Police Department contributing $2 per week from their paycheck. Most departments contribute to the organization via fundraisers and events, but Billerica Police wanted to establish more consistent funding.

“Sgt. Mark Tsoukalas came up with the idea of donating a small piece of our paychecks every week — just a small amount — so we could have guaranteed income for our donations to the organization,” Frost said. “Now we’re able to fund a $5,000 check for a family on a yearly basis.”

Sal Mirabella Jr., a sergeant with the Emerson College Police Department and a member of the Board of Directors for Cops for Kids with Cancer, said Billerica Police have donated $24,481 to the nonprofit since January of 2016.

“Cops for Kids with Cancer recognizes police departments who contribute a significant amount to our organization, and it was long overdue that we recognized the Billerica Police Department for what they have done for more than a decade,” Mirabella said. “They donate to us weekly, and it’s departments like that which we really rely on.”

Mirabella said any police department in New England can sponsor a family with a child under age 21 who is battling cancer. Departments do not have to have previously contributed in order to sponsor a family. Cops for Kids with Cancer currently provides a $5,000 check to eight families per month across New England.

Frost said he hopes to see more police departments adopt Billerica’s funding method, because he believes creating a more consistent funding source could significantly increase the organization’s ability to support families.

“The need is there, and we have the ability to make an impact,” Frost said.

About Cops for Kids with Cancer:

Cops for Kids with Cancer is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that provides funds directly to those involved in the care of children with cancer, with each family typically receiving $5,000. There are many organizations raising money for important research, but the goal of Cops for Kids with Cancer is to help the children and their caregivers through this most difficult crisis. Over the years, Cops for Kids with Cancer has given more than $4.75 million to 914 families with children battling cancer. To learn more, visit: https://copsforkidswithcancer.org.

Telecommunicator Certification Program (TCP) – Free Training

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State 911 Department – The Telecommunicator Certification Program provides free of charge certifications to civilians in Massachusetts interested in becoming a 9-1-1 telecommunicator. The two certifications being offered through the TCP are mandatory certifications necessary to become a certified telecommunicator in Massachusetts: the 40-hour APCO Public Safety Telecommunicator course and a 2-day NG9-1-1 equipment training course .

If you are interested in learning more about the TCP, please see the dates listed below to attend a 2-hour informational workshop that will explain the program. Please email 911training@mass.gov to reserve a seat. A confirmation email will be sent back to you confirming that you are registered for the workshop.

Workshop Session 1: Monday, November 7, 2022 at 10:30AM-12:30PM in Springfield, MA

Workshop Session 2: Monday, November 14, 2022 at 10:30AM-12:30PM in Maynard, MA

Workshop Session 3: Monday, November 21, 2022 at 10:30AM-12:30PM in Middleboro, MA

Recreation Complex Vandalized – Public Assistance Requested

Billerica Police | MA Posted on by

The Billerica Police Department is investigating a vandalism that occurred on October 25, 2022, at the Peggy Hannon Rizza Recreation Complex located next to the Billerica Boys and Girls Club.

The Police Department is reaching out to neighborhood residents who may have exterior surveillance cameras. Please check these systems for video between the hours of 7:30pm and 10pm on October 25th to determine if any suspicious activity may have been recorded.

Residents who have information that may aid the Police Department in this investigation are encouraged to contact Billerica Police Detectives at (978) 667-1212.

Statement On FBI Underwater Search and Evidence Response Team Activity in Billerica, MA

Billerica Police | MA Posted on by

Contact: Kristen M. Setera 857-386-2905

The FBI’s Underwater Search and Evidence Response Team (USERT) out of New York is in Billerica, Massachusetts this week assisting with an FBI Boston investigation. USERT is searching the Concord River for specific evidence in an ongoing investigation. For the safety of the search team and the public, this requires the temporary closure of one lane on the River Street Bridge during active search hours, beginning at approximately 9 a.m.. We recognize the traffic disruptions this may cause and are working as expeditiously as possible to complete the operation. We appreciate the public’s patience as we conduct this important law enforcement activity.

In the interest of allaying any public concerns, USERT is not looking for human remains and there is no associated threat to public safety.

As FBI Boston’s investigation is ongoing, no further details will be released at this time.

Billerica Police Investigating One-Vehicle Crash

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UPDATE 10/25/22 – Three individuals were subsequently arrested with charges related to the below incident (arrest log here). Billerica residents should be aware that this incident was not a random event. The incident began in the City of Lowell, ending with the driver being stabbed, causing the vehicle to crash in Billerica. At least one of the defendants was known to the driver/victim prior this incident.

BILLERICA 一 Chief Roy Frost reports that Billerica Police are investigating a single vehicle crash and an incident that may have caused it this morning.

On Saturday, Oct. 22, at approximately 8:05 a.m., Billerica Police received multiple reports of a single vehicle that struck a telephone pole in the area of 41 Boston Road.

Upon arrival, officers found a motor vehicle that appeared to have sideswiped a telephone pole, which knocked down multiple wires. There were four occupants of the vehicle.

Officers observed that the operator of the vehicle was suffering from what appeared to be multiple stab wounds, and that individual was transported to a local hospital with what appeared to be non-life-threatening injuries.

The three other individuals had injuries consistent with a car accident and were also transported to a local hospital, with what appeared to be non-life-threatening injuries.

A preliminary investigation suggests that there may have been an altercation inside the vehicle prior to the crash resulting in the operator losing control of the vehicle.

Due to the incident and subsequent investigation, Boston Road, Alpine Street and Lowell Street are closed.

No charges have been filed. This is an on-going investigation. There is no further information at this time.