http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20110219/NEWS02/702199921
Published February 19, 2011 in the Rutland Herald
Parent warns of gang behavior in Springfield
By SUSAN SMALLHEER
Staff Writer
SPRINGFIELD — One concerned parent told the Springfield Select Board this week that gangs are operating in Springfield and the police department should get involved.
Janet Williams said that one man in particular, whom she described as 26 years old, is targeting underage girls, including her own 13-year-old daughter, and five other young girls she is aware of, including one 12-year-old.
“I don’t think 26-year-olds should be hanging out with 13-year-olds,” said Williams, who said she did her own “drive-by” of a party, saw her daughter and took her home.
Williams said that the underage party took place a couple of months ago, but since she was able to get her own daughter out of the drinking-and-drugs party, she didn’t call the police at the time.
Williams said she felt the people in question are members of The Bloods, since they wore red bandannas, and in particular had one hanging out of a back pocket.
“I want the police to pay more attention,” said Williams.
Various board members said they are aware of similar allegations, but as Kristi Morris, the board chairman pointed out, it was not illegal for a 26-year-old man to drink and have a party.
Morris, who said he was extremely sympathetic, having raised two daughters, urged Williams to be more specific. He said public opinion is that there is significant drug activity in Springfield.
“But it’s really difficult to act, we need specifics,” he said.
Williams said gathering evidence wasn’t her responsibility. “That’s their job,” she said, referring to the police.
Town Manager Robert Forguites said he hadn’t heard about potential gang activity from the police department, and he said he would look into the problem.
Williams said she had been told by a member of the police department that only public pressure would make the police investigate alleged gang activity.
Board members asked Williams if she had filed a complaint at the time, but she said she hadn’t.
On Tuesday, Police Chief Douglas Johnston said that he believed there are some gang “wannabees” living in Springfield, and some students displaying gang colors at the schools, but that the matter had been dealt with quickly.
He said that the police had been involved with people that some people would label gang members in some of their drug investigations.
But he urged Williams, and other concerned parents, to report underage drinking parties or drug parties immediately to the police.
“We can’t do much if they don’t file reports,” said Johnston, who said the department had heard that gang members had been involved in criminal activity such as drugs, burglaries and larcenies. “They are involved in everything,” he said.
“We can’t do much if they don’t file,” he said.
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