Massachusetts
Former Quincy resident extradited from Sweden to face charges in MA
A former Quincy man has been extradited from Sweden to face charges in connection with his alleged obstruction of an investigation into a series of fires set at Jewish institutions in the Boston area, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Alexander Giannakakis, 37, was indicted in Boston in 2019 for making false statements in a matter involving domestic terrorism; falsifying, concealing and covering up a material fact in a matter involving domestic terrorism by trick, scheme and device; concealing records in a federal investigation; tampering with documents and objects; and tampering with an official proceeding.
The four fires occurred in 2019, with two at an Arlington Chabad Center, one at a Needham Chabad Center and one at a Jewish-affiliated business in Chelsea.
Giannakakis was arrested by Swedish authorities in a Stockholm suburb once the indictment was returned, officials said. The U.S. had planned to seek Giannakakis’ extradition to face charges in Boston.
His younger brother was the main suspect in the investigation into the fires in February 2020, but remained in a coma until his death later that year, officials said. Officials found out Giannakakis had left the U.S. with his younger brother’s electronic devices and papers and brought them to Sweden.
After returning to the U.S. in 2020 with his brother’s electronics, he was asked about his brother’s connection to the fires and if the family had a storage unit. Giannakakis allegedly informed investigators his parents had a nearby storage facility before he later admitted he maintained and controlled access to the storage unit, officials said.
Giannakakis had visited the storage unit and a second storage unit at the same facility, which contained t-shirts with the a swastika on the front, a black backpack containing a bottle of cyanide and a notebook with his brother’s name on it with a swastika drawn inside, the night before he spoke with investigators.
Following Giannakakis’ arrest in Sweden, officials learned he unlawfully possessed a firearm and other weapons in Sweden. He was ultimately convicted of those charges and served time in a Swedish prison, officials said. The Supreme Court of Sweden approved the United States’ request for extradition, which was granted by the Government of Sweden on Dec. 21.
Giannakakis arrived at Logan Airport on Friday and is scheduled to appear in federal court in Boston Monday afternoon, officials said.
Massachusetts
Smoke from North Attleborough fire visible for miles
Fire broke out at an apartment building in North Attleborough, Massachusetts, on Monday afternoon, sending a column of smoke high into the air.
NBC affiliate WJAR-TV reports the smoke was visible from miles away from the building on Juniper Road.
More details were not immediately available.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Massachusetts
Life Care Center of Raynham earns deficiency‑free state inspection
Life Care Center of Raynham has received a deficiency‑free inspection result from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, a distinction awarded to a small share of the state’s licensed nursing homes, according to a community announcement.
The inspection was conducted as part of the state’s routine, unannounced nursing home survey process overseen by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. These comprehensive, multi‑day inspections evaluate multiple aspects of facility operations, including staffing levels, quality of care, medication management, cleanliness, food service and resident rights.
State survey records show that Life Care Center of Raynham met required standards during its most recent standard survey, with no deficiencies cited, based on publicly available state data.
The announcement states that fewer than 8% of Massachusetts nursing homes achieve deficiency‑free survey results. That figure could not be independently verified through state or federal data and is attributed to the announcement.
In addition to the state survey outcome, the facility is listed as a five‑star provider for quality measures on the federal Medicare Care Compare website. The five‑star quality measure rating reflects above‑average performance compared with other nursing homes nationwide, according to federal rating methodology.
Officials said the inspection results reflect ongoing compliance with state and federal standards designed to protect resident health and safety. According to the announcement, the outcome is attributed to staff performance and internal quality practices.
This story was created by Dave DeMille, ddemille@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
Massachusetts
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