New Bedford Gang Member Sentenced to Prison

FALL RIVER — A 23-year-old New Bedford gang member who shot a rival gang member in the foot last May was sentenced to serve seven to 10 years in state prison, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced.

Tevin Diaz-Cardoza pleaded guilty last week in Fall River Superior Court to indictments charging him with assault and battery by means of a firearm, carrying an illegal firearm, unlawful possession of a loaded illegal firearm, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

On May 30, 2017 at 10:30 a.m., the defendant shot the victim in the foot in the area of Kempton and Chancery Streets. The shooting was belived to be motivated by an ongoing gang dispute at the time.

While police were responding to the scene of the shooting, they witnessed the the defendant fleeing while in possession of a firearm. While officers gave chase, the defendant was seen discarding the firearm and the magazine to the firearm. The firearm was a Glock 9mm and a 30 round clip was recovered. Twelve rounds of ammunition were still in the clip, and an additional 14 rounds were found nearby where the clip was discarded.

When apprehended, the defendant was found to be in possession of two bags of cocaine packaged for sale.

--Bristol County District Attorney's Office