Repeat Criminal Arrested for Armed Robbery in New Bedford

NEW BEDFORD — A man with a lengthy criminal record who served 15-20 years in state prison for murder was arrested Sunday, March 11, for armed robbery, after being released on bail last month on robbery and drug charges.

Hector Torres, 62, was arrested Sunday after he allegedly robbed a 67-year-old male at SouthCoast Flea Market at 251 Brook Street. Police say he took a bag of jewelry from the man and, while attempting to flee the building, swung a knife at the male, who sustained cuts to his hand when blocking the knife.

The man and a female accomplice headed east on Tinkham Street, where they were apprehended by police.

Torres, a Springfield resident, was charged with armed robbery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon on a victim over 60, possession of class A substance, possession of class B substance and disturbing the peace. He is now being held without bail, pending a dangerousness hearing March 16.

His alleged accomplice in the robbery, 31-year-old Stephanie Farley of New Bedford, was charged with armed robbery, carrying a dangerous weapon, two counts of carrying a weapon and disturbing the peace. She also has a lengthy criminal history, and served time in prison for assault and battery on a police officer and leaving the scene of a property damage accident. Farley was ordered held on $2,500 bail and will return to court April 10.

Police say Torres has a long criminal history, with previous convictions for possession of firearm, dealing heroin, burglary and robbery. He was convicted of murder in 1983 and sentenced to 15-20 years in state prison. He was one of eight people arrested February 14 for robbing a man at 149 Tinkham Street. On February 5, he was arrested for dealing drugs at the same address.

--New Bedford Police