The Hon. Benjamin C. Barnes will become the new first justice of the Edgartown district court next month. The appointment takes effect Oct. 7, a court spokesman confirmed this week.

A 43-year-old West Tisbury man was sentenced to four years probation after he was convicted by a district court jury on child pornography charges.

An Edgartown businessman and massage therapist was arrested last week and charged with indecent assault and battery.

A state board that investigates complaints against attorneys is recommending a one-month suspension for Laura Marshard, after a finding that she abused her prosecutorial power.

A Vineyard Haven man was arrested and charged this week for distributing fentanyl on the Island.

A Chilmark man was arraigned last week on charges related to improper deer hunting, including hunting at night and hunting from a vehicle.

The district attorney’s office declined to prosecute an Edgartown man for manslaughter in a case that involved a fatal drug overdose last April.

Peter J. Laursen, who no longer practices medicine, has admitted to sufficient facts on two counts of indecent assault and battery.

Assistant district attorney Laura Marshard violated the rules when she met with a witness without having his attorney present, a Board of Bar Overseers panel said.

Alexander Carlson, 30, of Edgartown, was arraigned in Edgartown district court Friday on charges of trafficking in fentanyl and resisting arrest.