An illegal immigrant rapist from El Salvador has been sentenced in federal court in Boston for unlawfully re-entering the United States after multiple deportations.
Melvin Alexander Orellana-Martinez, 54, was sentenced to 60 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns. This federal sentence is to run concurrently with a 17-to-21-year state prison term he is currently serving in Massachusetts for several serious offenses, including multiple counts of aggravated rape, kidnapping, and witness intimidation, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts.
A federal agency has awarded the Massachusetts state government more than $1 million to support registered apprenticeships in the state.
An apprenticeship is a structured training program that combines hands-on work experience with classroom instruction, allowing individuals to learn a trade or profession while earning a wage. It typically leads to certification or qualifications in the chosen field.
The Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development announced the $1,052,584 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor during a meeting of the Massachusetts Apprenticeship Council on Monday, September 16, state officials said.
"This [U.S. Department of Labor] grant aligns with the Healey-Driscoll Administration's commitment to expanding Registered Apprenticeships, which provide a proven workforce solution by combining technical education with hands-on training, offering industry-recognized credentials, and improving access to wage progression and well-paying jobs," a press release from the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development said.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey applauded the Biden-Harris administration for providing the state with this funding.
"Our administration is committed to expanding Registered Apprenticeship for more industries, supporting business growth, a stronger workforce, and economic competitiveness in regions across Massachusetts," Healey said in the written statement. "We're grateful to the Biden-Harris Administration and [U.S. Department of Labor] for providing these critical funds to build the workforce we need to deliver on key infrastructure projects, from roads and bridges to clean energy and resiliency in Massachusetts."
