Fall River Man Sentenced in Landlord Assault

A 37-year-old Fall River man was sentenced to serve up to six-and-a-half-years in state prison this week after pleading guilty to charges that he assaulted his landlord and was carrying an illegal sawed off shotgun around the city, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced today.

Jason Manchester pleaded guilty Tuesday in Fall River Superior Court to charges of possession of a sawed off shotgun, unlawful possession of ammunition, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

On May 4, 2015, the defendant confronted his landlord about allegedly making sexual advances to his girlfriend. The confrontation quickly escalated and the defendant struck his landlord, who fell to the ground. The defendant then kicked the victim several times with a shod foot. After the victim reported the incident to police, investigators obtained a search warrant for the defendant’s home and vehicle. Inside the defendant’s car, police locate a rental agreement and his license. In the trunk, police locate the sawed-off shot gun and shot gun shells.

The agreed upon plea was accepted by Judge Raymond Veary, who sentenced the defendant to serve five years to six-and-a-half years in state prison. The defendant, who has a seven page criminal record, has served multiple stints in the house of corrections prior to this incident. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Daniel Walsh.

“This defendant has a history of committing crimes and serving jail sentences. Nothing good will come of a convicted felon possessing a sawed off shotgun.,” said District Attorney Quinn.

--Bristol County DA's Office