WOBURN – June 20, 2014 — Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan, North Reading Police Chief Michael Murphy, and Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure Director Mark Kmetz, announced today that as a result of an investigation, a North Reading man was arraigned on charges related to the unlicensed practice of engineering and land surveying.

Martin Finch, 34, of North Reading, was arraigned in Woburn District Court on charges of larceny over $250 (two counts), identity fraud (two counts), and the unlicensed practice of engineering or land surveying. Woburn District Court Judge Sarah Singer released Fitch with conditions that he refrain from engaging in the practice of engineering or land surveying and have no contact with the victims.

The defendant’s next court date is August 8, 2014, for a pre-trial conference.

Authorities allege that for approximately one year, Finch was engaging in the unlicensed practice of engineering and land surveying. DPL states that Finch has never been licensed by the Commonwealth and does not hold any licenses from other jurisdictions. It is alleged that the defendant would represent himself as a licensed engineer and land surveyor, taking client money, and charging for fraudulent certified plot plans. The defendant allegedly stole the identity of licensed professionals by utilizing their names, license numbers, and the likeness of their engineering and/or land surveying stamps. DPL’s Board of Registration of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors licenses qualified individuals to practice engineering and land surveying as professions in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

On behalf of the Board, DPL investigated complaints related to the unlicensed practice of engineering and land surveying by Finch. The DPL continued this investigation by bringing it to the attention of law enforcement in North Reading Police Department and subsequently this was brought to the attention of the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office which worked cooperatively to investigate, obtain and execute a search warrant of the defendant’s home office. Finch operated a home office in North Reading.

The public is asked to contact the Special Investigations Unit of the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office at 781-897-6700 if they believe that they may have been a victim of Finch conducting unlicensed engineering or land surveying on their behalf.

These charges are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. ~ Press Release

Through June 28, the Massachusetts State Police are redoubling their efforts to enforce laws prohibiting distracted driving. Troopers will particularly concentrate on detecting and citing drivers observed violating the Commonwealth’s ban on texting while driving. Troopers in marked and unmarked vehicles will show zero tolerance for offenders.

“Massachusetts drivers should understand that this initiative is not focused on revenue enhancement, the goal of the operation is to educate the public, support the media campaign, and save lives,” said Lieutenant Stephen Walsh, commander of the State Police Andover Barracks and the Operational Officer of the initiative. “Unfortunately, many motorists will not comply with the laws focused on distracted driving without the very real threat of penalties.”

The crackdown is part of a two-year demonstration project in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The initiative is designed to develop enforcement strategies and test the effectiveness of a variety of enforcement techniques in curtailing distracted driving behaviors, specifically “texting” behind the wheel.

In Massachusetts, it’s illegal for anyone to compose, send or receive electronic messages and data while driving, and it’s illegal for drivers under 18 to use a mobile device while driving. The laws, which went into effect in 2010, are in place for a reason: distracted driving has become a deadly epidemic in America. According to NHTSA, in 2012, 3,328 people were killed and 421,000 more were injured in crashes involving distracted drivers in the United States.

Massachusetts isn’t immune to the disturbing trend. To address the problem, in 2013 Massachusetts State highway safety officials partnered with NHTSA on this pilot project designed to curtail distracted driving behaviors. The campaign, tagged “Text With One Hand, Ticket in the Other,” is a four-phase high-visibility enforcement program which pairs law enforcement efforts with media, public education, and awareness initiatives focused in twelve communities covered by the Andover Barracks of the Massachusetts State Police, specifically, Andover, Dracut, Dunstable, Lawrence, Lowell, Methuen, North Andover, North Reading, Reading, Tewksbury, Tyngsboro and Wilmington. Phases 1 and 2 took place in June and September of 2013 and were very successful; the combined waves resulted in 2,270 distracted-driving citations.

Proven data driven enforcement strategies include roving marked and unmarked patrols, plain clothes spotters at intersections, and stationary vehicles strategically situated. “We have developed enforcement strategies that work and continue to hone the skills of our Troopers in identifying and citing offenders,” said Lieutenant Walsh. “Drivers take notice and many acknowledge that the observed behavior is dangerous. Our hope is that they change their behavior permanently, not just during the crackdown.”

Remember, if you violate Massachusetts law by composing, sending or reading an electronic message while driving, you will get a ticket. Fines start at $100 for the first offense and go up to $500 for repeat violations. Even worse, you put your life and the lives of others at risk—all to send a text.

For more information on texting while driving and its prevention, including the demonstration grant to Massachusetts, visit www.distraction.gov .

The clubs are already working on props for their 7th Annual Haunted Trail Walk in October. This year, scenes will be about GhostBusters, Plant Shop with many different flowers of all types, sizes and colors. Some may really like people too. Doctor McGregor has been experimenting in his garden with veggies. Shoot-out at the corral and cemetery with legendary outlaws. The torture chambers have an added feature. The Addams family will have some members visiting the walk.

The clubs are always looking for new members and just new friends of all ages. They meet on Wed evening 6pm to 7 pm. At 25 Winter St. Hopkinton.

The horse club is working on their mounted drill team which will be performing at the Annual Middlesex County 4H Fair in Westford, Ma. On August 22, 23 and 24th.Members will also be riding their mounts in the 3 day horse show. Some members will be showing their poultry and all members have many items entered in the Static Bldg. - arts, crafts, needlework, sewing, photography, gardening,
flower arrangements, scarecrows, veggies, woodworking, knitting and many more things. The fair is open to the public all three days and 4H would love to have as many people come and support.

Checkerberry Acres Farm is running a camp this summer for 4 weeks in July on Tues, Wed and Thurs to show kids what its like to take care of chickens, ducks, rabbits and horses. Everyday animals will be worked with, pony and horses can be ridden if a child wishes too, a craft will be done everyday, games and lots of fun. If animals and outdoors is not your thing come and join us just for crafts after lunch and some games. If coming for crafts and fun its 12 noon to 2pm and the charge is $10.00 per day. The camp is 10am to 2pm and is $25/day or all three for $60.00. Late and early hours can be arranged.

For further info on any of the above please call 508-435-4129 or email at slukey07@yahoo.com .