Senate page faces armed robbery charge

November 19, 2008 03:06 PM Email| Comments (15)| Text size – +

By Maria Cramer, Globe Staff

An 18-year-old Senate page has been arrested for a series of charges, including armed robbery, possession of marijuana, and possession of a gun clip, according to state and Boston Police reports.

Rha-Shon Sheffield, a Mattapan man who goes by the nickname "Raw," was arrested early Tuesday after a state trooper pulled over a rented car carrying Sheffield and two other men. Inside the white Hyundai, the trooper allegedly found marijuana and the clip, which is used to hold bullets for a gun.

Sheffield showed the trooper a state employee identification card indicating he worked at the Statehouse, according to a State Police report.

The trooper quickly learned that Sheffield was wanted for robbing a Lowell man at knifepoint on Jan. 25., according to a Boston Police report.

During that incident, Sheffield and four other people allegedly lured the victim through the website Craigslist. They posted an ad for a laptop they claimed to be selling for $700, according to the report.

The man showed up at a building at Columbus Avenue in the South End to buy the laptop but instead was robbed at knifepoint. The thieves took his $550 Nokia cell phone and $10 in cash, according to the report.

Sheffield, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, was ordered held on $25,000 cash bail for the armed robbery and was held on $50,000 for the charges stemming from Tuesday's arrest, according to the office of Suffolk District Attorney Daniel F. Conley.

It is not clear how long Sheffield has worked as a page. The Senate clerk's office referred media calls to David Falcone, spokesman for Senate President Therese Murray.

"The Senate page in question has been terminated, effective immediately," Falcone said. "It's an unfortunate development, given the strong traditional significance of the Senate page program and the outstanding students who've participated throughout the years."

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15 comments so far...

He is the perfect fit for employee of the month up at the State House. Since most of them are robbing us everyday, with their legislations, bribery, etc... He is no different, only he prefers to use a gun instead of legistations to rob us.

Posted by Eguy November 19, 08 03:46 PM

Another Obama voter

Posted by Todd November 19, 08 04:28 PM

This young man is a model citizen compared to some of the elected members of the Senate.

Posted by Paul November 19, 08 04:51 PM

Todd

Why do jerks like you continue to just insult Obama with things that are completely irrelevant to him. The majority of the people in this country obviously have disagreed with your view. Deal with it!

p.s., You still have Jeb Bush in the wings if you're looking for another miserable eight years.

Posted by D. Pierre November 19, 08 06:27 PM

todd thats ignorant. anyone who wants to carry a gun wouldn't have voted for Obama

Posted by matt November 19, 08 06:32 PM

Now that this thug has been terminated he's eligible for a low interest mortgage.

Posted by John November 19, 08 07:02 PM

todd, so what he is an obama voter. most mccain voters are racist jerks like you.

Posted by john November 19, 08 07:27 PM

Todd, how do you know?

Posted by Heather November 19, 08 07:30 PM

What do you expect from "Raw"? Look who he has had for role models in the Senate. At least he is a bit more up front about his crimes as opposed to the esteemed Senator Wilkinson who tries to be underhanded and sneaky. And at least "Raw" was not going around groping woman in public. Lawyer up Raw and start saying you are bi-polar. And also sue the Senate to get your job back. You didn't break any work related policies and you have that bi-polar condition after all. They should be referring you to the employee assistance program. Hang in their kid. You have the showings of a Senate leader; i.e Finneran, Dimasi, etc.

Posted by markglobe November 19, 08 07:53 PM

The senate has very high standards for senators and pages. I am sure he's got a clean rap sheet too.

Posted by Homer November 19, 08 08:04 PM

Must have been a Diane Wilkerson appointment!!!

Posted by BostonDan617 November 19, 08 09:20 PM

Yeah, let's complain about everything! Let's blame Obama for this! Let's blame the Legislature! Posting anonymous messages really empowers me!

Posted by Josh November 19, 08 10:14 PM

Maybe he can share a cell with Marzilli.

Posted by GOP02476 November 19, 08 10:16 PM

"Rha" is one of the most intelligent and charismatic person I know.He is completely innocent because the real criminals are making laws. I am positive that these charges will not break his spirit. If you know him like I know him you would understand his struggles. If he is a criminal then all of these elected officials must be the devil's advocates. I hope everything goes well with his case. Anyone can judge a person but can they walk in a persons shoes. He will be out of soon. Free my brother from another "Rha"a.k.a"The kid with the silver tongue"

Posted by Jelani " J.L.Mighty 1" Lynch November 20, 08 01:02 AM

To Todd,
You are obviously just another pathetic McCain/Palin tank jobber (i.e., "loser"). Do yourself a favor, get over it. You'll get another crack at voting to get screwed by yet another incompetent republican president in just four short years. Until then, just creep back into your spider hole at mom's and wait it out.

Posted by non_prophet November 20, 08 12:28 PM