Region Roundup: Report Critical of Use of Shock Therapy by Judge Rotenberg Center

AG Report Critical of Use of Shock Therapy by Judge Rotenberg Center

A 131-page report released Monday by the Massachusetts Attorney General's office details the abuse of two teenage students at the Canton-based Judge Rotenberg Center who received nearly 100 "inappropriate" electric shocks during an incident in August 2007.

The report, done by retired Judge Isaac Borenstein, calls for the special needs school to "strengthen its practices, policies and procedures to further ensure safety of the residents.”

The school uses aversive therapy, which includes GED (Graduated Electronic Decelerator) shock therapy to correct behavior in students "who do no respond to only positive procedures," the study said.

The shock treatment, which must be approved by a Probate Court Judge, is administered by a small, round metal disc connected to electrodes. The electrodes are usually placed on the arm or leg of a student with a Velcro strap and locking mechanism.

The GEDs deliver a two-second shock to the surface of the skin when a student exhibits an inappropriate behavior.

***

Stoughton Murder Suspect Charged with Killing Ex-Wife

The man arrested for killing his estranged wife in her Stoughton home was arraigned in Stoughton District Court Monday afternoon, charged with murder.

Willie Foster, 47, of Dorchester, was taken into custody by Boston Police Monday morning in Mattapan. He is charged with killing Anita Clark, 46, who was found dead at her 76 Glen Echo Blvd. home in Stoughton Saturday evening.

Foster, who appeared in court wearing a Boston Red Sox pullover, pled not guilty to the murder charge.

Clark died after suffering multiple stab wounds - more than 20 in total, according to the autopsy, Lynn Beland, Assistant District Attorney for the office of Norfolk County District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey, said.

***

Foxborough Police Investigating Overnight Break-In of Route 1 Dunkin’ Donuts

Foxborough police are investigating a break-in that occurred early Tuesday morning at the 16 Washington St. Dunkin’ Donuts on Route 1.

An alarm company notified police of the break-in, reporting the restaurant’s motion detector and cash office alarms were triggered just after 2 a.m. Tuesday, according to Foxborough Police Chief Edward O’Leary.

“Upon arrival, an officer saw the drive-thru window had been smashed out and they initiated a search of the immediate area,” O’Leary said.

Foxborough received assistance from Walpole police and a K-9 unit, which was able to track a scent to Meadowview Road, according to O’Leary.

The suspects, according to O’Leary, are described as two males who were wearing hoodies and black ski masks. O’Leary said they reportedly left the Dunkin’ Donuts with “a large jar of change.

***