Bedford

Judge Overturns $127K Award for New Bedford Officer in Retaliation Case, Sparks Appeal and Controversy

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A Bristol County Superior Court judge has recently nullified a jury’s verdict that required New Bedford to pay $127,000 to former police officer Macaila Saunders, who claimed she faced retaliation after reporting allegations of gender discrimination. The city challenged the jury’s decision, citing issues with procedure and insufficient evidence. Saunders, a former homicide detective in New Bedford who now serves as a school resource officer in Swansea, filed her lawsuit in 2021. Initially, she accused the city of both gender discrimination and retaliation. However, the gender discrimination charge was later dropped, leaving only the retaliation … Read more

Judge Throws Out Jury Verdict in High-Profile Retaliation Case Against New Bedford Police Department

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NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — A Bristol County judge has reversed a jury’s finding that a male police officer had retaliated against a former female officer who alleged gender discrimination. The ruling, issued on Monday, deemed that the jury’s decision could not be upheld due to insufficient evidence and the court’s failure to give appropriate jury instructions. The judge’s decision is a significant relief for the city, which was facing a potential payout of $127,000 in damages. However, Macaila Saunders, the plaintiff and former officer, plans to appeal this ruling to the state Appeals Court, prolonging … Read more

Bedford YMCA Honors Community Visionary: The Wallace Early Learning Center Celebrates Judge Phillip Wallace’s Lasting Impact

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BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. — The Bedford YMCA recently paid tribute to Judge Phillip Wallace by naming its Early Learning Center in his honor, recognizing his lasting impact on the community and the organization. During the dedication ceremony, board members highlighted Judge Wallace’s contributions, emphasizing his role not just as a founding member but as a guiding force behind the YMCA’s mission. Mary Jo Boone, CEO of the Bedford Area Family YMCA, remarked on Wallace’s importance, stating that although she may represent the organization, he embodies its essence. Judge Wallace has been instrumental in the Bedford … Read more

Trial Begins for Emanuel Bedford in 2021 Kidnapping and Murder Case of Ex-Girlfriend Deidre Reid

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CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, S.C. — Jury deliberations commenced in the trial of Emanuel Bedford, who faces charges of murder and grand larceny in connection with the 2021 disappearance and presumed death of his ex-girlfriend, Deidre Reid. The case has drawn significant attention as it unfolds in a region grappling with violence against women. Bedford, 40, is accused of kidnapping Reid, who was last seen on September 3, 2021, after driving him to a Greyhound bus station in Charlotte. Family members reported that Reid vanished shortly after this trip, and her sister expressed concern when she failed … Read more