New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
Shortly before 4 a.m. this morning, Trooper David Teixeira of the State Police-Milton Barracks was observing traffic from the infield of Exit 38 on Route 24 southbound in Stoughton. Trooper Teixeira noticed a white Mercedes Benz sedan with no light to illuminate the license plate. Trooper Teixeira stopped the vehicle for the lights violation.
Shortly after the vehicle came to a stop, the operator attempted to exit the vehicle. Trooper Teixeira ordered the occupant back into the vehicle. Trooper Teixeira then approached the operator, JUDEMARIO JOSAPHAT, 25, of Lynn. JOSAPHAT gave inconsistent statements about where he was traveling to at that time. Trooper Teixeira made note of multiple cell phones, a large amount of credit cards, and packaging consistent with narcotics bundling scattered throughout the interior, as well as aftermarket wiring on the floorboard of the vehicle.
A query revealed that JOSAPHAT was on federal probation for bank fraud. Trooper Teixeira returned to JOSAPHAT and asked for permission to search the vehicle, which JOSAPHAT granted.
When Trooper Teixeira touched a black bag in the truck JOSAPHAT grabbed Trooper Teixeira’s hand, and shoved him away from the car with his forearm. A struggle ensued, and JOSAPHAT ripped the radio from Trooper Teixeira’s shoulder. Trooper Teixeira took the suspect to the ground in a controlled manner. JOSAPHAT fought back, breaking his hands free from Trooper Teixeira’s grasp and returning to his feet and balling his hands into fists. JOSAPHAT repeatedly ignored Trooper Teixeira’s attempts to deescalate the situation through verbal commands. Trooper Teixeira was finally able to convince JOSAPHAT to comply by unholstering his Taser and repeatedly giving commands.
Trooper Teixeira reholstered his Taser without deploying it and was able to place JOSAPHAT under arrest. JOSAPHAT was handcuffed and placed in the back of Trooper Teixeira’s marked cruiser. Assisted by Trooper Joe Connor and Sergeant Joseph Durning, Trooper Teixeira completed his search of the white Mercedes. Trooper Teixeira discovered in the black bag more than 20 additional credit cards, numerous individually-packaged marijuana edibles, and, in three plastic bags, more than 380 grams of blue pills believed to be manufactured fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Trooper Teixeira transported JOSAPHAT back to the Milton barracks for booking. JOSAPHAT then appeared in Quincy District Court on charges including:
1. Trafficking In Opium/Methamphetamine Over 200 Grams;
2. Resisting Arrest;
3. Interfering With A Police Officer;
4. Assault and Battery on a Police Officer;
5. Disorderly Conduct;
6. Possess To Distribute a Class B Drug;
7. Possess To Distribute a Class C Drug; and
8. Number Plate Violation.
