Betancourt Sentenced on a Dozen Charges, Including Assault, Carjacking, and Larceny

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SALEM, Mass. – November 25, 2025 – In Essex County Superior Court yesterday, Cherlie Betancourt, 43, of Lawrence, Mass., pleaded guilty to a dozen charges tied to stealing motor vehicles, reckless driving, and causing serious injury to the owner of one of the stolen vehicles, the Office of Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker states.

Authorities say the Lawrence Police Department responded to reports that Betancourt stole three separate motor vehicles between December 21, 2024 and January 14, 2025, with the latter incident involving Betancourt driving the stolen vehicle while the owner, a 63-year-old man, clung to the hood before eventually being thrown to the ground, causing him to sustain multiple serious injuries.

In Superior Court on Monday, Betancourt pled guilty to carjacking, three counts of larceny of a motor vehicle, unarmed robbery, assault and battery with a deadly weapon causing serious bodily injury, two counts of reckless operation of a motor vehicle, leaving the scene of personal injury, larceny in an amount under $1,200, receiving a stolen motor vehicle, and receiving stolen property. The Hon. Kathleen McCarthy-Neyman presided and sentenced Betancourt to a term of five and one-half to six and one-half years in state prison to be followed by three years of probation.

Assistant District Attorney Maria Markos prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth. Betancourt was represented by attorney James Edward Klotz.

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