New Bedford man freed by judge last month despite numerous convictions, including murder, is arrested for third time in a month

A man with a lengthy criminal record who served 15-20 years in state prison for murder was arrested Sunday, March 11, for armed robbery after being released on bail last month on robbery and drug charges.

Hector Torres, 62, was arrested Sunday, March 11, after he robbed a 67-year-old male at Southcoast Flea Market, 251 Brook St. He took a bag of jewelry from the man and, while attempting to flee the building, swung a knife at the male, who sustained cuts to his hand when blocking the knife.

The man and a female accomplice headed east on Tinkham Street, where they were apprehended by police.

Torres was charged with armed robbery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon on a victim over 60, possession of class A substance, possession of class B substance and disturbing the peace.

Torres has a long criminal history, with previous convictions for possession of firearm, dealing heroin, burglary and robbery. He was convicted of murder in 1983 and sentenced to 15-20 years in state prison.

He was one of eight people arrested Feb. 14 for robbing a man at 149 Tinkham St. The property was subsequently closed down by the city. The address had been the subject of  multiple neighborhood complaints and police calls.

On Feb. 5, he was arrested for dealing drugs at the same address, 149 Tinkham St.

During his arraignment on Feb. 15, the district attorney’s office requested that he be held without bail based on the Feb. 5 and Feb. 14 incidents. This request was denied by Judge Paul Pino. The district attorney’s office then requested that Torres be held on $10,000 bail. Judge Pino refused this request and set bail at $1,000.

Torres posted bail and was freed. He subsequently committed the March 11 armed robbery.

His accomplice in the March 11 robbery, Rebecca Farley, was charged with armed robbery, carrying a dangerous weapon, two counts of carrying a weapon and disturbing the peace.

She also has a lengthy criminal history and served time in prison for assault and battery on a police officer and leaving the scene of a property damage accident.

Torres is now being held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing March 16.

Judge Edward Lynch ordered Farley held on $2,500.00 bail. The district attorney’s office requested $5,000.00 bail. She returns to court April 10.