Alleged New Bedford drug trafficker, domestic assault defendant found dangerous

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A 25-year-old New Bedford man arrested earlier this month on cocaine trafficking and domestic assault charges while already out on bail, was found dangerous by a New Bedford District Court judge last week and ordered held without bail for up to 120 days, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced.

Jose Rivera de Leon was the subject of a district court dangerousness hearing and a bail revocation hearing on June 23 after being arrested by New Bedford Police on June 15. He is charged with trafficking cocaine in excess of 200 grams and assault and battery on a family or household member.

On June 15, New Bedford Police developed information that this defendant, who had an active arrest warrant lodged against him for a March 2020 domestic violence incident, was in the area of Pleasant and Hazard Street. Police in the area observed the defendant leave an apartment on Nelson Street and drive to an apartment on Pleasant Street. After staying inside the Pleasant Street apartment for about a half an hour, the defendant was observed getting into a vehicle being operated by Jonathan Garcia, 20, of New Bedford. Police quickly pulled the vehicle over and placed de Leon under arrest on the active domestic assault warrant. During the booking process, police located nine bags of cocaine, weighing 24 grams, and more than $2,000 in cash in de Leon’s pants.

Police then searched the Pleasant Street apartment they observed de Leon and Garcia exit. Inside the apartment, police seized 270 grams of cocaine, scales, packaging materials, cutting agents, more than $6,000 in cash, and other items associated with drug trafficking. Garcia, who was also charged with trafficking in excess of 200 grams of cocaine, was the subject of a dangerousness hearing on June 19th. After that hearing, Garcia was found dangerous and held without bail for up to 120 days.

De Leon also faces a domestic assault charge, which occurred on March 24 in New Bedford. In that case, the defendant is accused of punching his girlfriend in the face multiple time, causing bruising and swelling. De Leon, at the time of his arrest on June 15, was already out on bail from two other pending cases involving the distribution of cocaine and an assault and battery. His bail was revoked after the June 23 court hearings.

“Despite being out on bail for other criminal charges, defendant de Leon is charged with drug trafficking, domestic assault and was in possession of a large amount of money. He is clearly a danger and belongs off the streets to protect society,” District Attorney Quinn said.

About Michael Silvia

Served 20 years in the United States Air Force. Owner of New Bedford Guide.

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