New Bedford Man Sentenced in Major Fentanyl Trafficking Case

FALL RIVER (WBSM) — A New Bedford man has been sentenced to up to seven years in prison for leading a fentanyl and cocaine trafficking ring.

Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced today that Geraldo Rivera, 39, was sentenced in Fall River Superior Court on November 25 after pleading guilty to trafficking in fentanyl over 36 grams, trafficking in fentanyl over 10 grams, trafficking in cocaine over 18 grams, and conspiracy to violate drug laws.

Rivera was sentenced to five to seven years in state prison, followed by two years of probation.

Wiretap Investigation Uncovered Drug Ring

He was arrested as part of an investigation that began in 2019 into a drug trafficking organization in New Bedford, and the D.A.’s Office said Rivera was identified as the leader and primary target and he “coordinated a large-scale drug trafficking ring in the New Bedford area.”

Authorities were able to secure wiretap warrants for Rivera’s phone as well as those of several others identified as associates and suppliers. The warrants concluded on June 11, 2021, leading to the charges and arrests of several individuals.

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"The defendant is the leader of a drug trafficking organization that was providing fentanyl to New Bedford and the surrounding area. Fortunately, a court ordered wiretap was successful in providing evidence against the defendant and co-defendants that would otherwise not be available,” Quinn said.

Prosecutors Sought Longer Sentence

The Commonwealth had requested a sentence of six to nine years, which Quinn said “would have been more appropriate.”

“The defendant is the last of the individuals to resolve his case as part of the successful wiretap prosecution,” he said. “Other defendants were charged which resulted in a number of prison sentences. I would like to thank the investigators for their efforts in this matter.”