DA: Alleged New Bedford Drug Trafficker Held Without Bail

A 50-year-old New Bedford man with a lengthy criminal record who was arrested on drug trafficking charges last month has been found dangerous by a district court judge and ordered held without bail for up to 120 days, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced today.

Eddie Torres was arrested June 30 on charges of trafficking fentanyl, distribution of a Class B drug, conspiracy to violate the drug laws, distribution of a Class B drug subsequent offense, and distribution of a Class A drug subsequent offense.

On that evening, undercover New Bedford police officers observed the defendant behind the wheel of a gray Volkswagen in the parking lot of the Burger King on Cove Road. The vehicle entered the Dunkin Donuts parking lot where it was met by another vehicle. A man from the other vehicle approached the window of the defendant's car and gave him something. Officers subsequently stopped the defendant's vehicle, the DA's office said in a media release.

As officers approached, the defendant shouted “f--- this” and placed his vehicle in reverse, attempting to flee, the DA's office alleges. Officers stopped the vehicle by grabbing the gear shift and the defendant was taken into custody.

Officers reportedly found a 3.3-gram bag of fentanyl by the driver’s seat door and a digital scale on the driver’s seat. They say they found a plastic bag of fentanyl by the driver’s side rear tire, weighing 13.1 grams, and a bag of cocaine weighing 14.3 grams under the vehicle. Officers also retrieved $1,880.00 cash from the defendant’s front right pocket.

This week's dangerousness hearing was prosecuted by ADA Robert Fread and the finding was issued by Judge Joseph Harrington.

"I am very pleased the court held the defendant without bail as a danger to the community, " District Attorney Quinn said in a statement. "The defendant has a history of violence and has served significant prison sentences for manslaughter and attempted murder. At the age of 50, he continues to commit serious crimes. He just doesn't get it, and belongs off the street to protect the public."