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December 29, 2009

Anonymous The Salem News Tue Dec 29, 2009, 12:18 AM EST

A story that appeared on page 7 of Saturday's Salem News concerning the dismissal of charges against Joseph Fields, 57, of Swampscott requires clarification.

The charges of witness intimidation and interfering with a liquor inspector against Fields were dismissed for lack of prosecution earlier this month.

Steve O'Connell, a spokesman for Essex County District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett, said the decision was made after a prosecutor concluded that they would be unable to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.

"We interviewed several witnesses who were summonsed by us as well as witnesses the defense had summonsed and determined that we had insufficient evidence to go forward due to inconsistent statements," said O'Connell. "We couldn't prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt given those inconsistencies."

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From left, John Driscoll, interim principal at Miles River Middle School; John Hughes, interim principal at Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School; and Kathy Harris, Director of Student Services and Special Education.

High school to keep interim principal another year

HAMILTON-WENHAM — John Hughes, a retired educator who was hired in July as an interim principal for the high school, will stay through next year.
Interim Superintendent Peter Gray said the district applied for and received a waiver from the state to keep Hughes at Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School through the 2012-2013 year. Hughes needs a waiver to work because he is retired from the education system, having worked 40 years in the Natick Public Schools.

Feb 8, 2012 4:52 am 1 Photo
Driver undone by vanity plate

SALEM — A woman who crashed into a downtown building and then drove away was quickly caught thanks to a vanity plate that had a witness seeing JSTARS.
Because she did not have permission to use the vehicle, a red Nissan, Danielle M. Pruitt, 41, 81/2 Williams St., Salem, is charged in its unauthorized use as well as driving after her license was suspended, both repeat offenses, driving to endanger and leaving the accident scene.

Feb 8, 2012 4:51 am
Danvers, SSU win grants for water protection

Salem State University and the town of Danvers are among the eight recipients receiving $135,000 in federal grant funding for projects to protect Massachusetts coastal waters.
Winners of Massachusetts Bays Program Research and Planning Grants were announced yesterday. The grant program, funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, supports projects that identify the causes of coastal habitat degradation, develop plans to address coastal water quality pollution and protect Massachusetts 1,500 miles of coastline.

Feb 8, 2012 4:50 am
Boxford woman scratches Monopoly ticket for $1M

DANVERS — By playing a lottery scratch ticket featuring Monopoly's Mr. Moneybags at a local convenience store, a Boxford woman has won a bunch of money.
On Feb. 2, Ann McBrierty claimed the $1 million prize, according to the Massachusetts State Lottery's website, which features a picture of her holding an oversized Mega Monopoly scratch ticket and a check.

Feb 8, 2012 4:49 am
Gunshot victim has no answers

SALEM — A gunshot victim who arrived at North Shore Medical Center, Salem Hospital, prior to 7 p.m. yesterday has offered few clues as to the identity of his assailant.
The 39-year-old, a white male and Salem resident, was shot in the foot. He told police he could not identify and does not know the person who attacked him. He also said he was shot on Leavitt Street.

Feb 8, 2012 4:48 am
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