New Bedford Man Sentenced for Carrying Stolen Loaded Handgun

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — A New Bedford man has been sentenced for carrying a firearm without a license.

Iussufi Vieira-Jau, 30, was convicted on August 11 after a jury trial in New Bedford District Court, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced today.

Vieira-Jau was sentenced to serve 18 months in the Bristol County House of Correction.

The charge dates back to July 2, 2023, when New Bedford Police were dispatched to 18 Beetle Street after 2 a.m. for a reported disturbance involving a firearm. Arriving officers saw a silver sedan pulling away from the residence and stopped the vehicle, driven by Vieira-Jau. He acknowledged having a firearm in the car.

READ MORE: New Bedford Man Arrested for Possessing Stolen Gun

At the time of his arrest, police said the investigation revealed Vieira-Jau had been involved in an argument on Beetle Street with other individuals known to him.

“During this argument, (Vieira-Jau) threatened violence, entered his vehicle, produced a firearm, and racked a round into its chamber,” police said in a release. “Other parties on the scene were able to successfully separate everyone involved. (Vieira-Jau) entered his vehicle and drove away. However, he returned to Beetle Street 10-15 minutes later, parked and remained seated in his car. At this time, the police were called.”

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Police said a search of the vehicle led to the discovery that Vieira-Jau was in possession of a stolen Taurus handgun loaded with nine rounds of ammunition. He did not possess a license to carry the firearm.

"This is another example of an individual illegally carrying a loaded firearm in one of our cities and the dangers associated with it," District Attorney Tom Quinn said.