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A 48-year-old New Bedford narcotics trafficker was sentenced to serve up to five and a half years in state prison last week in Fall River Superior Court, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced.
Michael Oliver pleaded guilty to a multi-count indictment, charging him with trafficking in heroin, trafficking in cocaine and possession of a class B drug with intent to distribute—subsequent offense.
On September 17, 2015, detectives with the New Bedford Police Department executed two search warrants on residences connected to the defendant’s ongoing narcotics trafficking enterprise. In one of the residences, police found seven grams of cocaine and $17,000 in cash in a hidden safe. In the second residence, police found more than 400 grams of heroin and 50 grams of cocaine in a lockbox.
The defendant had previously served committed time for assault and battery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, distribution of a class A drug and assault and battery of a police officer.
The four and a half year to five and a half year state prison sentence was handed down by Judge Renee Dupuis, and the case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Michael Sheehan.
“This is another defendant with a long history of criminal behavior who does not belong out on the street,” District Attorney Quinn said.
Why such a short sentences for a convicted felon and repeated drug dealer running such a major operation?