Archive for Press Releases
The Rehoboth Police Department is taking back unwanted prescription drugs Saturday October 29, 2022
On Saturday, October 29th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Rehoboth Police Department and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration will be giving the public an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. Bring your medications for disposal to the Rehoboth Police Department located at 334 Anwan Street. (We cannot accept liquids, needles or sharps, only pills or patches.) The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
For more information about the event and to locate a take back location near you go to www.DEATakeBack.com.
Hiring: Full-Time Public Safety Dispatcher
Full-Time Public Safety Dispatcher
The Town of Rehoboth is seeking qualified applicants for the full-time position of Public Safety Dispatcher. The Public Safety Dispatchers operate in a 24 hour a day operation. Qualified candidates must be available to work all shifts including nights, weekends and holidays. The position requires processing incoming and outgoing emergency and non-emergency calls and coordinating communications with Police, Fire and EMS.
Candidates must be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience preferred but not required. Candidates should have strong written and oral communication skills, the ability to work well under stressful conditions with an inherent ability to multi-task. Proficient computer skills are required to process records and information.
Candidates must be capable of passing a medical examination, including hearing test, drug test, and extensive criminal background investigation, and a complex operational training program.
Preference will be given to those with prior emergency dispatch experience, who are currently certified as Enhanced 911 Telecommunicators or possess APCO EMD certification.
The full-time position includes benefits as currently defined in the collective bargaining agreement including:
Pay Scale $46,113-$54,184 (3 years to max pay)
Work schedule is a 4 days on/2 days off shift with semi-annual shift bids.
Paid vacation, sick, personal days, overtime, shift differential and more.
Applications will be accepted until position(s) are filled. Applications can be picked up at Rehoboth Police Department or requested by email at info@rehobothpd.org.
Interested candidates should submit application/resume to:
Rehoboth Public Safety Communications
Attn: Dispatch Supervisor Bree Hoskins
334 Anawan St. Rehoboth MA 02769
Submit by email at info@rehobothpd.org
employment_application_january_2020.pdf (rehobothma.gov)
The Town of Rehoboth is an equal opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
Rehoboth Police Department’s K9 Edo has been awarded a “Healthcare for K9 Heroes” Grant
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c (3) nationwide charity located in East Taunton, MA, whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. The non-profit is pleased to continue their “Healthcare for K9 Heroes” medical insurance program for 2022 which covers annual policy premiums. Since 2016, the charity has donated over $233,068 towards medical reimbursement programs for self-funded K9 units.
Selected as 2022 recipients to date are: Rehoboth Police Department, MA, K9 Edo; Henry County Sheriff’s Office, IA, K9 Axel; Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, KY, K9 Chase; Pleasant Township Fire Department, OH, K9 Sasha; Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office, MT, K9 Hati; Shelbyville Police Department, KY, K9 J.C.; Muscogee County School District Police Department, GA, K9 Buddy; Knoxville Police Department, IA, K9 Rosko; Benton Police Department, KS, K9 Rocky; Caribou Police Department, ME, K9 Ace; Newington Police Department, NH, K9 Augie; Washington County Sheriff’s Office, IA, K9 Dzamel; Cherokee Police Department, OK, K9 Tex; Harveysburg Police Department, OH, K9 Keira
The “Healthcare for K9 Heroes” grant is awarded to departments which have the financial burden of raising funds to support their K9 unit, which have no more than three K9s, and which have previously been awarded a vest through Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. Law enforcement dogs ages two through seven are eligible. The annual medical reimbursement insurance policy, administered by Trupanion, will cover illnesses, injuries—including those sustained in the line of duty—diagnostic testing and therapies. The plan allows the freedom to use any licensed veterinarian, specialty center, or emergency hospital in the United States.
Trupanion, a leader in medical insurance for cats and dogs, offers injury and illness coverage for working and service dogs – both on and off duty. For nearly two decades, Trupanion has given pet owners and working dog owners peace of mind so they can focus on their dog’s recovery, not financial stress. Trupanion is honored to support these brave K9 heroes and is committed to providing the highest value in medical insurance to help them receive the best veterinary care.
In addition to the healthcare reimbursement program, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 4,500 law enforcement dogs with U.S. made, custom-fitted, NIJ certified bullet and stab-protective vests in 50 states, at a value of over $6.9 million dollars. For more information, please call 508-824-6978. Tax-deductible donations accepted via mail to: Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. P.O. Box 9 East Taunton, MA 02718 or via the website: www.vik9s.org.
OUI 3rd Charged in Rehoboth
On 04/04/2022, at approximately 10:51PM, Ptlm. Paulo Mendes was monitoring traffic on Tremont St. at Chartley Plaza. At this time, he observed a white Chevy Silverado with a Massachusetts registration traveling south on Park St. (Rte. 118). He estimated this vehicle to be traveling at a speed well in excess of the posted 35mph speed limit. Ptlm. Mendes was unable to confirm the vehicle’s speed and began following it. The vehicle made a right turn onto Fairview Ave. and again its speed exceeded the posted 35mph speed limit. At one point the vehicle’s speed was in excess of 80mph. While Ptlm. Mendes was following the Chevy Silverado he noted that the vehicle did not stay in its lane of travel. He also observed the vehicle come extremely close to striking several utility poles. Sgt. James Casey posted on Fairview Ave. and Anawan St. As we approached the intersection Sgt. Casey was able to deploy stop sticks and the vehicle hit them.
After hitting the stop sticks the vehicle continued on Fairview Ave. and made a left turn onto Firetower Rd. After turning onto Firetower Rd. the vehicle left the roadway and crashed into a ditch. Following this the operator who was identified as 35-year-old Monique Hines of 148 Lindsey St. in Attleboro was taken into custody. A subsequent investigation determined that Ms. Hines had been operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage. Ms. Hines was transported to the station where she was booked.
Ms. Hines was ordered to be held without bail due to an arrest warrant. She is scheduled to be in Taunton District Court on the following charges: (1) OUI liquor third offense. (2) Operating a motor vehicle as to endanger. (3) Failure to stop for police. (4) Resisting arrest. (5) Operating a motor vehicle with a suspended driver’s license due to an OUI.
Drug Take Back Event
Rehoboth PD will be participating in the upcoming national drug take back initiative taking place on April 30th 2022 from 10am-2pm at the Rehoboth Police Department. Feel free to pass the information along to town residents, friends and neighbors. The event is is aimed at ridding households of dangerous expired, unused, prescription drugs. We cannot accept liquids, needles, or sharps, only pills or patches. The event will take place rain or shine outside in the front of Rehoboth Police Station. The service is free and anonymous. Further info. and additional locations for those interested can be found at www.DEATakeBack.com.
Rehoboth Police K-9 has Received Donation of Body Armor
Rehoboth Police Department’s K9 Edo has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Edo’s vest was embroidered with the sentiment “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.”.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and NIJ certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 4,563 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations.
The program is open to U.S. dogs that are at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $960 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1,744-$2,283, weighs an average of 4-5 lb., and comes with a five-year warranty. For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.
Rehoboth Police Department’s K9 Edo to get Body Armor
Rehoboth Police Department’s K9 Edo will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Edo’s vest will be embroidered with the sentiment “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.”. Delivery is expected within eight to ten weeks.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and NIJ certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 4,481 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations.
The program is open to U.S. dogs that are at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $960 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1,744-$2,283, weighs an average of 4-5 lb., and comes with a five-year warranty. For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.
REHOBOTH POLICE MAKE ARMED ROBBERY ARREST
On 12/10/2021 Rafael GONZALEZ, age 52 of Rehoboth, was arrested in the City of Boston on an outstanding Rehoboth Police Arrest Warrant. GONZALEZ was wanted in connection with the 12/05/21 Armed Robbery of a Rehoboth business.
On 12/05/21 at approx.. 1700hrs Rehoboth Police were dispatched to a Winthrop Street business for a past robbery. The victim reported being robbed by a male subject who was wearing a mask and armed with a pipe. The suspect threatened the clerk with the pipe and demanded money from the cash draw. The suspect then fled the store on foot. The subsequent investigation culminated in an arrest warrant being sought for GONZALEZ in the Taunton District Court on 12/09/21.
GONZALEZ will be arraigned in Taunton District Court for the charge of ARMED ROBBERY WHILE MASKED. This investigation remains on-going and anyone with additional information is asked to contact Det. Paul McGovern at the Rehoboth Police Department 508-252-3722 ext.1135. 
3 Arrested after Vehicle Pursuit
On 02/24/2021, at approximately 8:15PM, officers from the Rehoboth Police Department responded to Winthrop St. (Rte 44) for a report of a red Jeep Grand Cherokee traveling at an extremely high rate of speed. This vehicle was inbound traveling east on Rte 44 from Seekonk. It was reported that it was passing vehicles and causing vehicles traveling westbound to swerve to avoid a head on collision. One the vehicle was spotted by officers from Rehoboth it was determined that the vehicle reached speeds of 140mph. As the vehicle approached the intersection of Rte 44 and Rte 118 its speed was 103mph. Ptlm. David Aguiar was able to stop all traffic at the intersection and deploy “Stop Sticks”. Ptlm. Aguiar was successful in deflating the tires of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The vehicle continued traveling eastbound. It made an abrupt left turn at Williams St. and immediately pulled into a driveway. Ptlm. Louis DiBacco, Ptlm. Mark Wetherell and Ptlm. Nicholas Bellavance followed the vehicle into the driveway where it spun out of control. Three occupants were found in the vehicle and it was initially believed that the operator fled. The occupants were identified as 20 year old Justin Vargas, 20 year old Michael Vargas and 27 year old Narciso Urena all of Queens, NY. All three subjects were initially detained pending the investigation. Sgt. Fundakowski began a search for the operator and the Massachusetts State Police Air Wing also responded to assist with the search.
During an inventory of the vehicle officers located items in the vehicle known to be utilized in the theft of motor vehicle parts (particularly catalytic converters). During this inventory Ptlm. Mark Wetherell illuminated the driver’s seat and noticed a shoe impression on the driver’s seat. This indicated that the operator switched seats. It was then determined that Justin Vargas was the operator of the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
All three subjects were taken into custody and transported to the Rehoboth Police Station. They were booked bail was set for all three. They were unable to make bail and were transported to the New Bedford House of Corrections. All three are being charged with possession of a burglarious instrument. Justin Vargas is also being charged with the following: (1) Failure to stop for police. (2) Reckless operation of a motor vehicle. They are due to appear in Taunton District Court on 02/25/2021 at 8:30AM.
