During a recent discussion with reporters, U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy highlighted the 2020 arson of a Black church in Springfield, Massachusetts, as one of the most impactful cases he worked on in Central or Western Massachusetts. Levy expressed disappointment that in the year 2025, such a hate crime was still occurring in America. He emphasized that the case was vital as it shed light on the prevalence of hate crimes in the region.
Levy also mentioned other cases he handled, focusing on “giving voice to the voiceless,” such as prosecuting a former police officer for killing a woman, a man charged in connection with a drone attack, and the conviction of a kidnapper. Additionally, he cited successful prosecutions targeting hate crimes against the Jewish, LGBTQ, and Asian communities and spoke about a rise in antisemitic hate crimes in the state.
Dushko Vulchev, indicted in connection with the Springfield church blaze, is facing charges of damaging religious property and committing a federal felony using fire. The investigation linked Vulchev to other fires in the area, revealing his racist sentiments through images and messages found on his electronics. Levy, who previously served in the U.S. Attorney’s office from 1997 to 2004 and later rejoined as Acting U.S. Attorney, acknowledged disappointment at not being confirmed for a permanent role due to Senate delays.
Despite the challenges, Levy commended his team for quickly rebounding from the turmoil caused by the resignation of former U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins amid an ethics scandal. Levy’s tenure as U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts will end before former President Donald Trump returns to office, with the incoming administration entitled to appoint new federal prosecutors.
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