New Bedford Investigators Arrest ‘Career Criminal’ on Drug Trafficking Charges

A New Bedford man on parole for a 2013 stabbing and dubbed by police as a career criminal was arrested Saturday and faces multiple drug charges, including trafficking. 

Travis Mello, 24, was arrested shortly after the New Bedford Police Narcotics Unit executed a search warrant for for his first floor residence at 161 State Street, according to New Bedford Police Det. Lt. Joao Chaves. Mello is charged with trafficking in cocaine in excess of 200 grams, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, subsequent offense and violation of the career criminal act.

While searching the apartment, investigators discovered 345 grams of cocaine and crack cocaine with a street value upwards to approximately $60,000. This high value is due to a majority of the drug not being cut.

Police also found $2,930 in U.S. currency.

According to Chaves, Mello is currently on parole in Massachusetts for an assault and battery with a dangerous weapon stemming from an August 2013 stabbing he was involved in. He faces the charge of subsequent offense due to him being found guilty of two counts of distribution of a class B controlled substance in August of 2012.

Mello also fits the perimeters of a career criminal because he has been convicted of at least three prior violent crimes or serious drug offenses.

Trafficking in cocaine in excess of 200 grams carries a mandatory minimum of 12 years in prison, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, subsequent offense carries a mandatory minimum of 3 1/2 years in prison and three prior convictions qualifying for the career criminal act carries a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison, according to a release by Chaves.