New Bedford Man Sentenced For Firearm and Drug Crimes

A 27-year old repeat offender from New Bedford has been sentenced to five-and-a-half to nine years in state prison on firearms and drug-related charges.

Prosecutors say Rahquan Bailey was arrested twice within a matter of eight months.

While out on bail on one case, Bailey was stopped by members of the FBI Gang Task Force in New Bedford. State Police say Bailey was trying to swallow crack cocaine when the vehicle was stopped.

Police also recovered a loaded 22-caliber semi-automatic handgun and nearly $5,000  in cash from the defendant.

And authorities say while Bailey was being held in jail, authorities intercepted a phone call made by Bailey which led them to a van where 200 grams of cocaine was seized.

Bailey was sentenced on Wednesday. District Attorney Thomas Quinn says Bailey was engaged in very serious criminal activity and was a danger to the community.