New Bedford Man Arrested Twice in One Day for Alleged Crack Dealing

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — New Bedford Police arrested the same man twice in one day recently for allegedly dealing crack cocaine.

According to police, on Thursday, September 21 at about 1 p.m., detectives conducting surveillance in the area of the County Street bars observed an alleged drug deal take place on Acushnet Avenue in the area of Delano Street.

Detectives learned that Danilson Moniz, 19, of New Bedford had allegedly sold a baggie of crack to Edwin Reyes, 45, of New Bedford. Both men were taken into custody, and police said Moniz had $160 in cash seized as well.

Moniz was arraigned in New Bedford District Court a short time later and released without bail.

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Then at around 7 p.m., Moniz was again observed by police in the area of the County Street bars. Police said he got into a vehicle and made his way to Buttonwood Park, where they say they saw him meet with another man and conduct a suspected drug transaction.

The second man left the area on foot and was stopped by police. He was identified as Anthony DaRosa, 57, of North Dartmouth, and police said he had a baggie of crack on him he had allegedly just purchased from Moniz.

Police located Moniz near the bars and once again placed him in custody, this time with $70 in cash in his possession.

Moniz was released shortly after from the Ash Street Jail, police said.

According to police, Moniz has two previous charges for distributing crack that stem from November and December of 2022. Those incidents also took place in the area of the County Street bars, and both were dismissed in New Bedford District Court.

Moniz now faces two counts each of distributing crack cocaine and conspiracy to violate controlled substance laws. Reyes and DaRosa are each charged with possession of a Class B substance and conspiracy.

“We will continue to focus efforts on the County Street bar district and address the problems that the neighborhood faces. We seek the partnership of the community in providing us with information and continued support,” Police Chief Paul Oliveira said.

“It’s unfortunate that we do not have stronger cooperation from New Bedford District Court in terms of how the cases we bring before them are handled, however, this will not deter our officers from performing the great work they do on a daily basis," he said.