New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
“A 37-year-old New Bedford cocaine trafficker arrested while also in possession of an illegal gun was sentenced this week to serve eight to 10 years in state prison, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced.
Johan Baez pleaded guilty in Fall River Superior Court to indictments charging him with trafficking cocaine, carrying an illegal firearm-subsequent offense, possession of a high capacity feeding device, possession of ammunition and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
The defendant and his apartment, 336 Purchase Street New Bedford, were the targets of an August 2021 search warrant for drugs. When police executed the search warrant, they found a kilogram of cocaine. Police then recovered a high-capacity magazine containing 12 rounds (13 max) and $3,800 in the defendant’s bedroom.
Inside the defendant’s vehicle, police seized a pound of marijuana, several THC vape pens, a 40 caliber handgun and a second loaded magazine.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Russ Eonas and the state prison sentence was imposed by Judge Sharon Donatelle.
“The defendant was in possession of a large amount of drugs and a firearm, which is a very dangerous combination. Based on his record, a substantial state prison sentence was warranted,” District Attorney Quinn said.”-Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.
