Investigations

In-depth, long-form reporting from the Brookfield Examiner, examining public records, court filings, government conduct, financial dealings, and matters of public interest. Our investigations go beyond the headlines, presenting the documents, evidence, context, and details behind the story.

Pastor Coates Drops Fraud Claims Against Orchard Developer and Two Former Dunbar Clients

Investigations / Leave a Comment

Pastor Coates Drops Fraud Claims Against  Orchard Developer and Two Former Dunbar Clients Dismissals with prejudice remove three defendants from multimillion-dollar lending lawsuit involving late Massachusetts attorney Ronald Dunbar Jr. By Christopher Kelleher  October 20, 2026 7:15 P.M.  KENT COUNTY, R.I. — Pastor Delman Coates has voluntarily dismissed all claims against a Rhode Island real-estate […]

Pastor Coates Drops Fraud Claims Against Orchard Developer and Two Former Dunbar Clients Read More »

Woman Sues Brookfield Property Owner for Negligence After Falling Tree Limb Allegedly Causes Broken Nose, Lost Teeth

Human Interest Stories, Investigations / Leave a Comment

Woman Sues Brookfield Property Owner for  Negligence After Falling Tree Limb Allegedly Causes Broken Nose, Lost Teeth Claudia Cenedella alleges John Holdcraft ignored warnings about a dangerous tree limb. Separate court filings raise questions about conflicting residential-address statements. By Christopher Kelleher | The Brookfield Examiner October 12, 2026  11:15 A.M.  BROOKFIELD, Mass. — A woman

Woman Sues Brookfield Property Owner for Negligence After Falling Tree Limb Allegedly Causes Broken Nose, Lost Teeth Read More »

PROFITING FROM PAIN? PASTOR COATES’ 10%-A-MONTH INJURY LOANS

Investigations

PROFITING FROM PAIN? PASTOR COATES’ 10%-A-MONTH INJURY LOANS The senior pastor of Mt. Ennon Baptist Church says attorney Ronald Dunbar defrauded him. Court records show three purported loans involving four personal-injury clients were arranged through the same lawyer in just 22 days. Two separate deals sought the exact same amount—$250,000—and promised the lender $50,000 returns

PROFITING FROM PAIN? PASTOR COATES’ 10%-A-MONTH INJURY LOANS Read More »

Pastor Preached Against Usury. Now His 144% Interest Loans Are at the Center of a Multimillion-Dollar Lawsuit 

Investigations

Pastor Preached Against Usury. Now His 144% Interest Loans Are at the Center of a Multimillion-Dollar Lawsuit By Christopher Kelleher September 9, 2026 · 11:00 a.m. CLINTON, Md. — Pastor Delman Coates has spent years preaching about the morality of money. He has condemned usury. He has criticized financial systems that leave people trapped in

Pastor Preached Against Usury. Now His 144% Interest Loans Are at the Center of a Multimillion-Dollar Lawsuit  Read More »

‘CROOKED LAWYER’: MILLIONS MISSING, FAKE REAL-ESTATE DEALS — AND PREMIUM CELTICS TICKETS FOR THE GOVERNOR

Investigations

‘CROOKED LAWYER’: MILLIONS MISSING, FAKE REAL-ESTATE DEALS — AND PREMIUM CELTICS TICKETS FOR THE GOVERNOR Former clients describe millions of dollars flowing into the control of attorney Ronald W. Dunbar Jr. through alleged bogus property deals, high-interest loans, supposed settlements and client funds — while one longtime client says he was even asked to pull

‘CROOKED LAWYER’: MILLIONS MISSING, FAKE REAL-ESTATE DEALS — AND PREMIUM CELTICS TICKETS FOR THE GOVERNOR Read More »

ATTORNEY WHO FILED TWO LAWSUITS AGAINST BROOKFIELD ACCUSED IN MULTIMILLION-DOLLAR LENDING SCHEME

Investigations

ATTORNEY WHO FILED TWO LAWSUITS AGAINST BROOKFIELD ACCUSED IN MULTIMILLION-DOLLAR LENDING SCHEME Rhode Island court records describe millions advanced on scant paperwork, promised mortgages that were never recorded and financing charges exceeding 150 percent on a simple annualized basis; some of Dunbar’s former clients say they were victims, not conspirators By Christopher Kelleher  KENT COUNTY

ATTORNEY WHO FILED TWO LAWSUITS AGAINST BROOKFIELD ACCUSED IN MULTIMILLION-DOLLAR LENDING SCHEME Read More »

TWO WEST BROOKFIELD PHYSICIANS INDICTED ON DRUG PRESCRIBING AND MEDICAID FRAUD CHARGES

Investigations

WEST BROOKFIELD — Two physicians associated with West Brookfield Family Practice have been indicted by a Worcester County Grand Jury on allegations of illegally prescribing controlled substances and committing Medicaid fraud, according to an announcement released Tuesday by Attorney General Andrea Campbell’s office. Dr. Jeffrey J. Jones and Dr. James C. Wilson III were each

TWO WEST BROOKFIELD PHYSICIANS INDICTED ON DRUG PRESCRIBING AND MEDICAID FRAUD CHARGES Read More »

Questions Raised After Charlton Coalition Health Agent Denies Food Truck Permit Tied to Neighboring Farm

Food and Dining, Investigations

FOOD TRUCK OWNER QUESTIONS PERMIT DENIAL LINKED TO NEIGHBOR DISPUTE Questions Raised After Charlton Coalition Health Agent Denies Food Truck Permit Tied to Neighboring Farm By Christopher Kelleher A dispute involving a first-year local food truck business is raising questions about permitting standards, conflict-of-interest concerns, and the role of a regional health inspector who allegedly

Questions Raised After Charlton Coalition Health Agent Denies Food Truck Permit Tied to Neighboring Farm Read More »

Tree project fallout raises questions about Brookfield’s procurement process

Investigations, Local Government, Public Safety

Tree project fallout raises questions about Brookfield’s procurement process By Christopher Kelleher BROOKFIELD, MA — A Brookfield tree removal project that was put out to competitive bid—and later cited as part of the town’s Tree Warden’s resignation—has raised questions about whether the town’s procurement process was effectively undermined after work was performed outside that process. The

Tree project fallout raises questions about Brookfield’s procurement process Read More »

BROOKFIELD WITHOUT TREE WARDEN AFTER RESIGNATION CITING SAFETY FAILURES AND “HOSTILE WORK ENVIRONMENT”

Investigations, Local Government

BROOKFIELD WITHOUT TREE WARDEN AFTER RESIGNATION CITING SAFETY FAILURES AND “HOSTILE WORK ENVIRONMENT” By Christopher Kelleher BROOKFIELD, MA — The Town of Brookfield currently does not have a Tree Warden, a position required under Massachusetts law to oversee the care and removal of public shade trees. Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 87, municipalities are required

BROOKFIELD WITHOUT TREE WARDEN AFTER RESIGNATION CITING SAFETY FAILURES AND “HOSTILE WORK ENVIRONMENT” Read More »

Stay Connected

Twitter Linkedin-in Instagram Facebook-f Youtube

Subscribe

Subscribe
Subscribe