Salem lawyer to be arraigned today on intimidation charges

By Justin A. Rice, Town Correspondent

A prominent Salem lawyer is scheduled to be arraigned on three new charges of intimidating a witness in Salem District Court at noon today. 

Raymond Buso, 58, is already facing charges for allegedly stealing signs from Rita’s Italian Ice in the Museum Place Mall. He allegedly followed the owner of the ice cream shop, Cynthia Weaver, on Tuesday and again on Sunday, in downtown Salem, according to Salem Police spokesman Lieutenant Peter Prosniewski. 

On Sunday police responded to a call to Weaver’s shop when Buso allegedly stood outside the shop staring at Weaver. Last night, Weaver came into the police station to obtain "an emergency harassment order" against Buso “which will be extended today, hopefully,” Prosniewski said.

Prosniewski also said Bristol County Assistant District Attorney Patrick Bomberg will be brought in for today’s proceedings, along with a new judge.

“Because Mr. Buso is well known in the legal circles here,” Prosniewski said. “They don’t want to show any partiality for the people here.”

Buso is also facing charges surrounding the alleged theft of three signs from the shop, three counts of vandalism, three felony charges that carry a three-year sentence, and larceny of property under $250.

A hearing on the first case is currently scheduled for Sept. 2.


Justin A. Rice can be reached at jrice.globe@gmail.com.