Arlington attorney David Aptaker, criticized for failing to disclose donations he made to two politicians, has withdrawn his candidacy to be a judge, The Boston Globe reportedJuly 17. Aptaker sent a letter to Gov. Patrick stating that "an honest mistake on my part has become too much of a distraction in the approval process."

Patrick had nominated him to be an associate justice of the Middlesex Family and Probate Court. Aptaker donated $350 to John Buonomo, the former Middlesex register of probate, and $200 to James Marzilli, a former state senator from Arlington.

The state's highest court ruled Wednesday, June 9, that Middlesex prosecutors can pursue attempted indecent assault and battery charges against former state senator J. James Marzilli of Arlington. In a unanimous ruling, the Supreme Judicial Court noted that while Marzilli allegedly did not actually touch his victims, there is enough evidence for prosecutors to show he tried to do so. One of his attorneys, Terry Kennedy, commented June 12 that he is "not surprised by decision, though I think wrongly decided." he said the next step is to pick a trial date.

Kennedy told The Boston Globe that he welcomes a trial, which is to begin this fall. For more, see the full text of the ruling, below.

Jan. 29: 2nd SJC Marzilli case set after December ruling in his favor 

Counsel says Arlington's answer to be filed 'shortly'

A US District Court judge has rejected the town's motion to delay the $7 million lawsuit until arbitrations involving Stavroula Bouris and Charles E. Coughlin Jr. have been completed. Magistrate Judge Marianne B. Bowler issued the ruling May 27. The electronic court filing says, "Ordinarily, a federal court will exercise the jurisdictional power that Congress has conferred upon it when a plaintiff invokes its jurisdictional authority to apply federal law."

The filing then cites a series of federal cases buttressing the decision. Bowler wrote: "Efficiency and judicial economy do not justify a stay." 

April 3: Don't delay lawsuit, Coughlin-Bouris attorneys ask court

An Arlington man pleaded guilty in connection with a series of local armed robberies and drug charges, Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone informed the public on Wednesday, April 28.

Jonas Moses-Gilson, 20, pleaded guilty to charges of masked armed robbery (three counts), kidnapping, assault and battery (three counts), armed assault with intent to rob and resisting arrest. The defendant also plead guilty to charges of trafficking cocaine, distribution cocaine (three counts), distribution of marijuana, possession with the intent to distribute psilocybin and conspiracy stemming from an arrest in November 2008.

Attorneys defending two fired school employees have objected to delaying the $7 million lawsuit until arbitrations have been completed. Frank Mondano of Belliro & Mondano, representing Charles E. Coughlin Jr. and Stavroula Bouris, dismissed in August 2007, filed a motion in US District Court in Boston on March 30.

Among the arguments seeking to prevent a stay of the lawsuit until arbitrations are completed:

A Medford man and his girlfriend have been convicted in connection with a series of armed robberies and attempted robberies in Cambridge and Somerville, the office Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone reported Thursday, April 1.

Vincent Primo, 41, pleaded guilty on the eve of trial to all charges. Kim Szathmary, 42, was found guilty March 31 by Middlesex Superior Court jury.