Dartmouth, MA Vandalizing Property Case

John L. Calcagni III

Criminal Charges:

Women charged in the Bristol County New Bedford District Court for:

  • Vandalizing Property in violation of M.G.L. c. 266, § 126A

Case Overview:

Police were dispatched to a Taco Bell in Dartmouth, Massachusetts for a report of a woman wearing a pink ski mask and holding a knife. Upon arrival, police spoke to the calling party who identified the woman and informed police that she vandalized a vehicle with the knife. The calling party further informed police that the woman and her boyfriend fled the scene in a vehicle. Police spoke to the owner of the vehicle who informed them that she knew the woman because she is currently dating her ex-boyfriend. Police photographed the damage as evidence. Approximately one week later, police located the woman at this same Taco Bell where the incident occurred. Upon approaching her vehicle, in plain view, police saw a pink ski mask on the dashboard of her vehicle. Police questioned the woman about the incident, and she admitted to dragging a pocketknife across the victim’s car. Dartmouth Police filed an application for criminal complaint against the woman for Vandalizing Property. She received a summons to appear in the New Bedford District Court for a Clerk-Magistrate’s Hearing. Beforehand, she retained Massachusetts Criminal Defense Lawyer, John L. Calcagni III, to represent her at this important event.

Case Result: Application for Criminal Complaint Denied.

Following the Clerk-Magistrate’s preliminary remarks, statements by the alleged victim, and oral arguments by defense counsel, the Clerk-Magistrate denied the police department’s application for a complaint.