“A 27-year-old New Bedford man with a lengthy criminal record was sentenced to prison time last week after being convicted of trafficking cocaine and possessing an illegal gun, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced.

Tylor Martin pled guilty in Fall River Superior Court on Friday to indictments charging him with Carrying an Illegal Firearm with a Prior Violent Conviction, Unlawful Possession of a Large Capacity Feeding Device and Trafficking Cocaine.

At the time of his arrest on October 18, 2022, police had been searching for him for about a year due to two active domestic violence-related arrest warrants issued against him in 2021. When Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section developed information about his whereabouts, they located him hiding out at an apartment on West Hill Road.

After being placed under arrest, police observed a loaded 9mm handgun and narcotics in plain view. Police obtained a search warrant, searched the room and located more than 48 grams of crack cocaine, along with a 30-round high capacity firearm magazine.

The defendant was sentenced to serve three to four years in state prison by Judge William White. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Shawn Guilderson.

The defendant still faces charges of Domestic Assault and Battery, Assault, Strangulation, Intimidation, Breaking and Entering and Unarmed Robbery in New Bedford District Court for two separate 2021 incidents in that city.

“The defendant has a history of violence and was in possession of a firearm, large capacity feeding device and a large quantity of drugs while on the run from police. He clearly is a danger to the community and needs to be kept off the street to protect the public,” District Attorney Quinn said.”

“Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston deportation officers arrested and removed to Ecuador an unlawfully present Ecuadoran citizen on March 31.

According to ERO Boston, 46-year-old Nicolas Dutan Guaman was convicted in a Massachusetts state court in 2014 on multiple felony charges related to the dragging death of 23-year-old motorcyclist Matthew Denice. According to evidence at the state criminal trial, unlawfully present Guaman was driving under the influence of alcohol in Milford, Massachusetts, when he ran through a stop sign, struck the motorcyclist, and dragged him a quarter-mile to his death.

Although a state appellate court later set aside the motor vehicle homicide conviction, Guaman served state prison time on all remaining charges. Following his release from Massachusetts Department of Corrections’ custody on March 30, ERO Boston arrested Guaman; he was removed to Ecuador March 31.

“ERO Boston is proud to help bring some measure of justice to the family of the victim in this case that ignited so much public outrage at the heinous nature of the crimes Guaman was convicted of,” said ERO Boston Field Office Director Todd Lyons. “No matter how long it takes, rest assured that ERO Boston will carry out our mission to remove any unlawfully present individuals who pose a danger and threat to the safety and security of our communities.”

In October 2011, ERO Boston encountered Guaman at the Worcester County House of Correction while he was being held on charges of manslaughter by motor vehicle, motor vehicle homicide while operating under the influence of liquor and related charges. At that time, ERO Boston lodged an immigration detainer request for Guaman pending the outcome of those charges. In 2014, Guaman was convicted and sentenced to state prison.

In March 2020, ERO Boston issued Guaman a notice to appear before an immigration judge for his immigration violations. A federal immigration judge with the Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review issued Guaman a final order of removal from the United States in November 2021.nforcement and Removal Operations Boston deportation officers arrested and removed to Ecuador an unlawfully present Ecuadoran citizen on March 31.

According to ERO Boston, 46-year-old Nicolas Dutan Guaman was convicted in a Massachusetts state court in 2014 on multiple felony charges related to the dragging death of 23-year-old motorcyclist Matthew Denice. According to evidence at the state criminal trial, unlawfully present Guaman was driving under the influence of alcohol in Milford, Massachusetts, when he ran through a stop sign, struck the motorcyclist, and dragged him a quarter-mile to his death. Although a state appellate court later set aside the motor vehicle homicide conviction, Guaman served state prison time on all remaining charges. Following his release from Massachusetts Department of Corrections’ custody on March 30, ERO Boston arrested Guaman; he was removed to Ecuador March 31.

“ERO Boston is proud to help bring some measure of justice to the family of the victim in this case that ignited so much public outrage at the heinous nature of the crimes Guaman was convicted of,” said ERO Boston Field Office Director Todd Lyons. “No matter how long it takes, rest assured that ERO Boston will carry out our mission to remove any unlawfully present individuals who pose a danger and threat to the safety and security of our communities.”

In October 2011, ERO Boston encountered Guaman at the Worcester County House of Correction while he was being held on charges of manslaughter by motor vehicle, motor vehicle homicide while operating under the influence of liquor and related charges. At that time, ERO Boston lodged an immigration detainer request for Guaman pending the outcome of those charges. In 2014, Guaman was convicted and sentenced to state prison.

In March 2020, ERO Boston issued Guaman a notice to appear before an immigration judge for his immigration violations. A federal immigration judge with the Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review issued Guaman a final order of removal from the United States in November 2021.”

“On Thursday, March 30, 2023 at approximately 6:10 p.m., Dartmouth detectives assigned to the Community Impact Unit conducted a Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles query on a Honda Pilot, during which time they learned that it had been stolen out of Dorchester, Massachusetts.

After the vehicle turned into the Walgreens on State Road and parked, Detective Derek SOUSA and Detective Matthew CORREIA observed the occupants enter the store.

Upon making contact with the occupants of the vehicle, Detectives SOUSA and CORREIA identified them as Melvin WARD, 48, of Nelson Street, Dorchester, Massachusetts and Jessica FERNANDES, 34, of Fourth Street, Fall River, Massachusetts.

During the subsequent investigation, suspected fentanyl was located on both parties. In addition, stolen property from Walgreens was also located on WARD.

As a result of this incident, both WARD and FERNANDES were arrested.

WARD was charged with receiving a stolen motor vehicle, possession of a Class A drug (suspected fentanyl), subsequent offense for possession of a Class A drug (suspected fentanyl), shoplifting (second offense), unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and four (4) outstanding warrants. FERNANDES was charged with receiving a stolen motor vehicle, possession of a Class A drug (suspected fentanyl), and one (1) outstanding warrant.”-Dartmouth Police Department.

“At about 11:11 AM, on Friday, March 31, 2023, officers assigned to the District C-11 Drug Control Unit (Dorchester) with the assistance of Braintree Police and the DEA Task Force arrested Esteve Diaz, 41, of Braintree on drug related charges.

Officers were conducting an ongoing drug investigation, and execution of search warrants in the area of 95 Skyline Drive. As a result of the search warrants, officers recovered 1,002 grams of Cocaine, 1 pound of Marijuana, and $1,480 in US Currency.

Diaz was placed under arrest and charged with; Trafficking of Class B, and Possession with Intent to Distribute Class D. He is expected to be arraigned in Dorchester District Court.”-Boston Police Department.

Boston Police Department photo.

Boston Police Department photo.

“Shortly before 8 p.m. yesterday, Trooper Beau Schlichting, assigned to State Police-Medford, was stationary observing traffic at the intersection of Memorial Road and Canal Lane in Somerville. At that time he observed a black Honda Civic with illegal window tint pass his location. An electronic inquiry of the vehicle’s license plate revealed it was being sought by the Somerville Police Department regarding an incident that occurred approximately three weeks earlier. Trooper Schlichting entered traffic, activated his blue lights, and stopped the vehicle on River Road.

Upon exiting his cruiser he approached the Honda and observed two occupants. The operator and passenger, later identified as DAVID ORTIZ, 21, of Somerville, and NEFTALI FLORES, 21, of Medford, respectively, were initially uncooperative with the Trooper. Trooper Richard Ferrino and a Somerville Police Officer both arrived on scene to assist. After a short investigation, Trooper Ferrino located a .45 cal Glock pistol, loaded with 13 rounds of ammunition, inside of a fanny pack on the floorboard of the driver’s seat. Trooper Ferrino also located several baggies containing a substance suspected to be Cocaine inside of the fanny pack. Neither man is licensed to possess firearms.

At this point a full search of the vehicle was conducted. During the search Troopers located another 9mm Glock, loaded with 16 rounds of ammunition, along with several large vacuum sealed packages of Marijuana and scales commonly used in the distribution of narcotics. Both men were transported to the Medford Barracks where they were booked pending arraignment at Somerville District Court on the following charges.

DAVID ORTIZ

1. Illegal Possession of a Firearm;
2. Possession of a Large Capacity Feeding Device;
3. Improper Storage of a Firearm, Large Capacity;
4. Carrying a Loaded Firearm;
5. Possession of Ammunition without FID Card;
6. Trafficking Cocaine;
7. Possession of a Firearm in Commission of a Felony
8. Possession of a Class C Drug with Intent to Distribute;
9. Possession of a Class D Drug with Intent to Distribute;
10. Conspiracy to Violate Drug Law; and
11. Illegal Window Tint

NAFTALI FLORES

1. Illegal Possession of a Firearm;
2. Possession of a Large Capacity Feeding Device;
3. Possession of a Class C Drug with Intent to Distribute;
4. Possession of a Class D Drug with Intent to Distribute;
5. Conspiracy to Violate Drug Law; and
6. Failure to Wear Seatbelt.”-Massachusetts State Police.

“Another of the top lieutenants in the Orlando Badillo Fentanyl Drug Trafficking Organization, which was dismantled in 2019 as a result of a year-long multi-agency investigation led by Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III’s office, was sentenced to prison last week.

Maria Carrion, 46, of New Bedford, pled guilty in Fall River Superior Court last Friday to indictments charging her with Trafficking Fentanyl and Conspiracy. The defendant was one of the organizations distributors and runners.

The defendant was sentenced by Judge Raffi Yessayan to serve four to six-and-a-half years in state prison, to be followed by two years of supervised probation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Steve Butts, who also coordinated the investigation, dubbed “Operation Ghost.”

In June of 2018, a Dartmouth Police Department detective and a Massachusetts State Police Trooper from DA Quinn’s State Police Drug Unit developed credible information that Orlando Badillo was operating a large-scale Fentanyl Drug Trafficking Organization throughout the greater New Bedford area.

This information sparked “Operation Ghost,” a year-long multi-agency effort to stop the trafficking ring. As their investigation progressed, other local and federal law enforcement Agencies joined the probe, including New Bedford Police, DEA, Homeland Security and the Bristol County Sherriff’s Office.

In March of 2019, a Superior Court Judge authorized investigators to lawfully intercept the cell phone conversations and text messages going to and from the cell phones used by Mr. Badillo and other top members of his organization. Between March 5, 2019 and April 30, 2019, investigators gathered additional evidence, via the wiretap, that explained in detail the intricate workings of the Badillo Drug Trafficking Organization and confirmed the roles played by the various members of the organization. During the wiretap, investigators intercepted numerous calls between Badillo and Luna wherein they discussed Badillo’s drug distribution business and what types of methods could be utilized to improve it.

The Conspiracy indictments relates to an April 27, 2019 phone call involving the defendant and Badillo. During the call, the defendant agreed to take possession of and maintain 350 grams of Fentanyl with the understanding that she would turn those drugs back over to him when he was ready to sell it.

The Trafficking in Fentanyl indictment relates to the April 30, 2019 execution of a search warrant at her home when investigators seized 367 grams of Fentanyl mixed with Heroin, along with digital scales, cutting agents and other items associated with the packaging of Fentanyl for distribution.

“This defendant was part of the drug organization that sold large amounts of Fentanyl in the greater New Bedford area. The defendant and others profited from the distribution of Fentanyl, Heroin and other narcotics to drug users in our communities,” District Attorney Quinn said. “The defendant has a prior drug dealing conviction and I am pleased she was held accountable for her role in distributing Fentanyl as part of this organization.”

“The 42-year-old New Bedford man previously employed at the New Bedford Whaling Museum who was arrested earlier this year for allegedly stealing artifacts from the museum has been indicted by the Bristol County Grand Jury and will be arraigned early next month, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced.

Robert M. Burchell has been indicted by the grand jury on 19 counts of Larceny over $1,200. He is scheduled to be arraigned in Fall River Superior Court on these indictments on April 7th.

On January 5, 2023, New Bedford Police arrested Robert M. Burchell, 42, of New Bedford, and charged him with Larceny from a Building.

Burchell was employed as a facilities associate at the museum for the past two years. It is alleged that Burchell stole dozens of pocket-sized items from the museum and sold the artifacts at local antique and pawn shops for cash. A shop owner in West Bridgewater, who bought some of the artifacts from Burchell, tipped off police to his suspicion that the items were rare and likely stolen.

Burchell was initially arraigned on larceny charges in New Bedford District Court on January 6th. The court imposed a cash bail of $5,000 and ordered Burchell to stay away from the museum and have no contact with museum employees.

The total value of the items stolen by Burchell is believed to exceed $150,000. At the present time, most of the items have been returned to the museum. The investigation continues.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Michael Scott, the chief of District Attorney Quinn’s Financial Crimes Unit.

Since the defendant has yet to be arraigned on the new indictments in open court, no further facts of the case can be publicly disseminated at this time.”- District Attorney Quinn’s Office.

“****PARKING VIOLATIONS​​​****

In response to numerous complaints, the New Bedford Police Department will be stepping up its enforcement of parking violations in residential areas. Among the violations that officers will be on the lookout for, are:

* Parking of oversized vehicles at night
* Blocking of driveways
* Blocking of fire hydrants
* Blocking of handicap-accessible sidewalk openings

Much of this enforcement will be done during late-night, early morning hours on the midnight shift.

We remind all citizens to please be courteous to their neighbors and park in a manner that complies with local rules.”-City of New Bedford Police Department.

A 33-year-old New Bedford man, who was arrested twice for trafficking fentanyl in the span of 14 months, was sentenced to serve five to six years in state prison last Thursday, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced.

Angel Perez pled guilty to two separate dockets, which when combined, charged him with two counts of Trafficking Fentanyl and one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl.

In August 2020, New Bedford Police executed a search warrant on the defendant, who was found inside his vehicle. When officers approached the car, the defendant refused to open the door, forcing officers to breach the window. After finding him in possession of Fentanyl, detectives also searched his residence, where the located more Fentanyl and more than $3,000 in cash.

The defendant was arrested, but released on bail.

Then, in October 2021, officers received information that the defendant was once again trafficking Fentanyl. Officers set up surveillance and observed a drug transaction. They immediately stopped the defendant and found a large bag of Fentanyl in the ankle area of his pants.

In addition to these two arrests, the defendant has three prior convictions for distribution of narcotics.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Kaitlyn O’Leary and the state prison sentence was imposed by Judge Sharon Donatelle.

“Despite being released on bail, the defendant continued to trafficking Fentanyl and profiting off the addiction of people n our community. The defendant has prior convictions and needs to be kept off the street to protect the public,” District Attorney Quinn said.

“A Carver woman has been charged with allegedly assaulting a child at a local daycare.

After an investigation by the Plympton Police Department, the state Department of Children and Families, and the state Department of Early Education and Care, a criminal complaint was issued charging Stephanie D. Jones, 36, with one count of Assault and Battery on a Child with Injury.

The complaint alleges that Jones assaulted the child while working in the infant room at Puddle Jumpers Day Care in Plympton in October 2022.

Jones was arraigned on November 3, 2022 where she pled not guilty to the charge. The court ordered Jones to stay away and have no contact with children. Jones is no longer employed at the daycare.

Jones is next scheduled to appear in court on April 24, 2023.”-Plympton Police Department.