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July 14, 2011
For Immediate Release
Contact: Paul Jarvey 508-
WORCESTER — A man and woman are being held on bail on charges of lying to police in connection with the death of Francis P. Spokis of Rutland, according to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.
Lee Anne Chesko, 24, of 204 Fairmont Ave., Worcester, and James M. Rutherford, 24, of 600 Main St., Worcester, were arraigned today in Central District Court on the lying charge, which is part of the intimidating a witness statute. They were arrested early this morning by State Police detectives assigned to the District Attorney’s office.
Judge Paul L. McGill set bail of $50,000 for Ms. Chesko and $30,000 for Mr. Rutherford. Their cases were continued to Aug. 12.
Mr. Early had argued for bail of $50,000 for both defendants.
Mr. Spokis, 52, was found dead in his home at 120 Wachusett St., Rutland, on Sunday afternoon.
Lee Anne Chesko, 24, of 204 Fairmont Ave., Worcester, and James M. Rutherford, 24, of 600 Main St., Worcester, were arraigned today in Central District Court on the lying charge, which is part of the intimidating a witness statute. They were arrested early this morning by State Police detectives assigned to the District Attorney’s office.
Judge Paul L. McGill set bail of $50,000 for Ms. Chesko and $30,000 for Mr. Rutherford. Their cases were continued to Aug. 12.
Mr. Early had argued for bail of $50,000 for both defendants.
Mr. Spokis, 52, was found dead in his home at 120 Wachusett St., Rutland, on Sunday afternoon.
Mr. Early said that Ms. Chesko had placed a call to Mr. Spokis on July 5 from a Honey Farms store in Holden, about eight miles from the Spokis home. It was the last call he received.
Mr. Early said she lied about being at the Honey Farms, making the call and making other calls to the victim until the State Police detectives assigned to the DA’s office confronted her with a surveillance tape from the store.
Mr. Early said the tape showed the defendants at the store and leaving in a car registered to Mr. Rutherford. The DA said Mr. Rutherford also made misleading statements to police about his relationship with Ms. Chesko.
State Police and Rutland Police are continuing the investigation.
Mr. Early said she lied about being at the Honey Farms, making the call and making other calls to the victim until the State Police detectives assigned to the DA’s office confronted her with a surveillance tape from the store.
Mr. Early said the tape showed the defendants at the store and leaving in a car registered to Mr. Rutherford. The DA said Mr. Rutherford also made misleading statements to police about his relationship with Ms. Chesko.
State Police and Rutland Police are continuing the investigation.