New Bedford Police Chief ‘Disappointed’ Repeat Criminal Was Released

NEW BEDFORD — Three days after being released on a low bail for assault with a dangerous weapon despite a lengthy criminal history, a New Bedford man was arrested again, this time for dealing fentanyl.

"I continue to be very proud of the work that the men and women of the New Bedford Police Department do on a daily basis, and appreciate their continuous effort to keep our community safe. Considering the recent events in Yarmouth and Maine, I am extremely disappointed with the judicial discretion exercised in this instance," said New Bedford Police Chief Joseph Cordeiro.

New Bedford Police say 23-year-old Khaylon Cruz of 164 Richmond Street, Apartment 1 was arrested Thursday for dealing fentanyl. Cruz had just been arraigned Monday, April 20, on a charge of assault with a dangerous weapon. Judge James McGovern released Cruz on $350 bail, despite a request from the Bristol County District Attorney's Office that his bail be set at $5,000.

Cruz posted bail and was let out into the streets, despite his long criminal record, including convictions for possession of a firearm and dealing cocaine.

Cruz was subsequently re-arrested Thursday, April 26, after being the subject of an investigation by the New Bedford Police Department narcotics unit into afentanyl distribution service out of his home and his vehicle.

After a search warrant was executed, detectives located fentanyl, a digital scale, packaging materials and cash. Cruz was arrested on charges of possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, and possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, subsequent offense.

On Friday, April 27, Judge McGovern held Cruz on the new charges on $50,000 bail, even higher than the $25,000 requested by the District Attorney's Office. The judge also revoked bail on the previous charges.

Cruz has 40 adult arraignments. He was found guilty of illegal firearm possession and was sentenced on December 11, 2017 to 30 days in the House of Correction, with the balance of the sentence suspended until June 2019. He was also found guilty that same day of possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute. He was placed on probation until June 2019.

Cruz's criminal history includes being sentenced to 59 days in prison in 2014 for breaking and entering, and being placed on supervised probation for a year in 2014 for assault and battery on a police officer.

Another individual with a lengthy criminal history was arrested alongside Cruz last Thursday. Derell Turner, 25, of 85 Contoocook Falls Road, Apartment 7 in Hillsborough, New Hampshire was charged on a warrant charge. Turner is also no stranger to the court system. He has 24 adult arraignments, and was sentenced to serve three years and a day in prison in 2011 for armed robbery.

--New Bedford Police