Former Mass. Senate page facing charges

BOSTON, Nov. 20 (UPI) -- A former page for the Massachusetts Senate has been arrested on charges of drug possession and armed robbery, police allege.

Police reports say 18-year-old Rha-Shon Sheffield was arrested this week after he and two other men were allegedly found in possession of marijuana and a large-capacity gun magazine, The Boston Globe said Thursday.

Sheffield also lost his position at the State House after Senate officials learned he was wanted by police on a warrant for an alleged act of armed robbery.

David Falcone, Senate President Therese Murray's spokesman, said the page's alleged indiscretions were "unfortunate" for both Sheffield and the Senate page program.

"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."

The Globe said Sheffield, who was arrested Tuesday by a state trooper, had worked at the State House since May 2007. His dismissal left a total of 11 pages still working at the political site.