LYNN, Mass. — Essex District Attorney Paul F. Tucker announced Friday that his office has dropped a criminal charge against an 18-year-old North Shore woman who was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement earlier this week.
Zeneyda Barrera, of Lynn, was arrested Monday on a charge of assault and battery on a family or household member but before arraignment, she was referred to the Essex County District Attorney’s Youthful Diversion Program, which allows certain first-time offenders to participate in a variety of programming in lieu of entering the court system, according to Tucker.
Barrera was found to meet the program’s eligibility requirements, however, she was apprehended by ICE before she could enter the diversion program and complete the program contract, Tucker noted.
“Today, my office filed a nolle prosequi – or decision not to prosecute – in this case,” Tucker said in a statement. “This ceases the criminal prosecution of Barrera but allows her to enter and complete the diversion program.”
Lynn Mayor Jared C. Nicholson and Massachusetts Congressman Seth Moulton are hopeful Barrera will be released from custody.
“We hope this means that Zeneyda will be able to come home to her family and we appreciate all the coordination that has taken place with various local, state, and federal agencies,” Nicholson said in a statement.
Moulton vowed to fight for Barrera to be reunited with her loved ones.
“This incident underscores the importance of compassion and understanding in our legal processes, particularly for our youth,” Moulton said in a statement.
Patrick Callahan, Barrera’s attorney, thanked Tucker and his office for making the “right and just decision” in ending prosecution against his client.
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