Massachusetts

Marine Recruiter Linked to Deceased Recruit to Face Judge

A Marine recruiter linked to a recruit, whose body was found along a Massachusetts highway in late March, will face a judge Tuesday in an unrelated case.

A dangerousness hearing for thirty-nine-year-old Gunnery Sgt. Frank Lipka is scheduled in West Roxbury District Court. Lipka has been charged with assault by means of a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of ammunition. The Suffolk County District Attorney's office said the charges stem from an encounter with a delivery person in September 2017.

The Naval Criminal Investigative Service took Lipka into custody Feb. 8 in Charleston, South Carolina.

His court appearance is unrelated to the disappearance of 21-year-old recruit Joseph Brancato, of Winthrop, whose body was found March 29 off Interstate 95 in Canton.

Brancato's family said he went missing last November after going to live with Lipka in hopes of getting ready for the armed services.

The district attorney's office said an autopsy performed did not immediately establish the cause or manner of Brancato's death.

Police have said that Lipka is a person of interest in Brancato's disappearance.

Lipka is being held on $10,000 bail.

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