Repeat New Bedford Opiate Dealer Sentenced

FALL RIVER — A 42-year-old New Bedford man who was caught dealing opiates while out on bail for a previous opiate distribution arrest was sentenced to serve two to four years in state prison last week, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced.

Jason Costa pleaded guilty in Fall River Superior Court to indictments charging him with two counts of distribution of fentanyl, and one count each of distribution of suboxone, distribution of oxycodone and trafficking in excess of 18 grams of methadone.

On September 26, 2016, the defendant was the target of a search warrant at his previous residence on Center Street in Dartmouth. Police executed the search warrant and seized 13 bags of fentanyl weighing 45 grams, seven oxycodone pills, and drug distribution materials including scales, plastic bags and $3,333 in cash.

While the defendant was out on the $10,000 cash bail on this case, he found himself once again the target of a search warrant at his new residence on Shawmut Avenue in New Bedford. On November 11, 2017, the defendant was the target of a search warrant which was executed by New Bedford Police. The police observed the defendant arrive at the house, and make entry utilizing a key on the defendant’s person. Upon execution of the search warrant, police locates five bags of fentanyl weighing approximately 11.7 grams, 10 suboxone strips, packaging materials and digital scales, indicative of distribution. They also seized $828 in cash.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Kristen Wiley and the state prison sentence was imposed by Judge Raffi Yessayan.

--Bristol County District Attorney's Office