New Bedford Man Sentenced on Repeat Illegal Gun Charges

NEW BEDFORD — A New Bedford man convicted on illegal firearm charges for the second time in six years will serve up to four years in state prison.

The Bristol County District Attorney's Office said 28-year-old Torrence Johnson pleaded guilty and was sentenced last Thursday for carrying an illegal firearm (subsequent offense) and illegally possessing ammunition.

New Bedford police searched Johnson's Ruth Street home on April 29, 2021 after stopping him outside.

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The D.A.'s office said police found a loaded Ruger 380 semi-automatic pistol in his left front pocket.

“This defendant has a prior firearms conviction," said Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn. "He once again was carrying an illegal firearm, which serves no legitimate purpose."

Quinn added: "He is a danger to the community and the sentence is appropriate to protect the public."

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