New Bedford Police Arrest 15 in Crackdown on County Street Bar District

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — New Bedford Police recently cracked down on crime in the County Street bar district in the city’s South End in response to complaints.

Police spent two days surveilling the area and made 15 arrests on various charges, including many repeat offenders. Police said that since the beginning of the year, 55 arrests have been made on County Street.

On Wednesday, August 28, detectives observed a drug transaction in the doorway of 116 County Street. Edmilson Gomes, 28, of New Bedford was arrested and charged with selling crack cocaine. Also arrested was Carlos Tavares, 41, of New Bedford, who police allege brokered the deal, as well as the 56-year-old woman who was purchasing the drugs.

Police said Gomes has been placed under arrest three times since the beginning of this year, all for drug-related charges involving the distribution of crack cocaine.

“He has 58 arraignments on his adult record, and 43 of those cases resulted in dismissal,” police said.

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Later that afternoon, police arrested Darren Andrade, 36, of New Bedford for an alleged crack cocaine transaction near the intersection of Nelson Street and Crapo Street. He was charged with two counts of crack distribution and conspiracy. Also arrested were two women, ages 27 and 49, to whom he allegedly sold the crack.

According to police, Andrade has an extensive criminal history with over 69 adult arraignments, with 23 of those cases resulting in court dismissals. He has convictions for a variety of offenses, including three for firearms possession and one for armed robbery.

On Thursday, August 29 – less than 24 hours after he was previously arrested – Tavares was again stopped by detectives, this time in a vehicle with Jason Cook, 32, of New Bedford. Police said both men were found to be in possession of crack and fentanyl. They were both arrested and charged with possession and conspiracy.

Police said Tavares was already on probation out of New Bedford District Court and had been sentenced to six months after being convicted of larceny in February.

At around 4 p.m. that day, police observed Yariluz Segarra-Mendez, 41, of New Bedford, sitting outside 116 County Street. Knowing she had an active warrant for her arrest, police placed her under arrest. About four hours later, police said she was observed with Jessica Brennan, who had just been arrested for drug activity the day before. Police said both women were allegedly found in possession of crack and Segarra-Mendez also allegedly had fentanyl and $200 in cash that was seized.

Police said Segarra-Mendez has been arrested by New Bedford Police a dozen times for active warrants; she has defaulted from court 26 times and been arraigned 53 times, with 31 cases resulting in dismissal.

“An individual who defaults on warrants can be arrested repeatedly for the same offense, using up valuable resources that can be directed towards investigating new crimes. It’s a tremendous drain on our system,” Police Chief Paul Oliveira said. “This is a perfect example of just that. This woman was arrested on her warrant issued by the court, is released, and then is arrested only hours later engaging in illicit narcotics activity.”

Late that evening, police arrested Guilherme Jalo, 22, for allegedly selling crack. They also seized $690 in cash from him. Also arrested was the 33-year-old woman to whom he allegedly sold the drugs.

Police then arrested two more people for active warrants – Jesus Garcia-Garcia, 53, and Jacqueline Erica Jeremiah, 50 – and another person with two active warrants, Claudio Monteiro, 42, who was also allegedly found in possession of crack.

Christopher Barboza, 51, of New Bedford was also arrested on an active warrant while also allegedly in possession of crack. Police said he has 50 arraignments on his adult record, 22 of which result in dismissals, and was on probation out of Attleboro District Court at the time of his arrest.

“It’s noteworthy that we continue to arrest the same people for the same offenses within very short periods. This is emblematic of the revolving door that continues to spin,” Chief Oliveira said.

“I am sympathetic to the business and property owners who have contacted us regarding these same offenders who continue to disrupt their daily lives,” he said. “I’m also proud of these officers who continue to serve the public fervently despite the discouragement they experience in seeing the same offenders out on the streets again so quickly.”