Taunton Man Sent to Prison After Multiple Drug Arrests

FALL RIVER (WBSM) — A Taunton man is headed to prison on drug charges stemming from three separate cases.

Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III said Brian Goncalves, 53, pleaded guilty on January 9 in Fall River Superior Court and was sentenced to two to four years in state prison.

First Arrest Involved Cocaine and a Firearm

The first charge dates back to February 1, 2018, when a Massachusetts State Police trooper saw a gray Mercedes fail to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of School Street and Grant Street in Taunton. The Mercedes then turned without signaling and went at a high rate of speed while zig-zagging in and out of traffic.

A motor vehicle stop revealed Goncalves as the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle. The trooper observed several knotted bags that contained powder and rock-like substances. After being arrested, Goncalves said there were additional drugs in the center console. There, the trooper found plastic baggies of cocaine. A total of 19 bags of powdered cocaine and 19 bags of crack cocaine were found, with a combined weight of over 36 grams.

In the trunk of the vehicle, troopers found a Glock 30 handgun loaded with 10 rounds. Goncalves, who does not possess an FID card, said the gun was his and he had forgotten it was in the trunk.

Second Arrest Occurred While Out on Bail

Goncalves was on release from the February 2018 incident when, on May 14 of that year, the Massachusetts State Police Gang Unit was patrolling the area of McGrath’s Cafe in Taunton when they saw a motorcycle exit the lot at a high rate of speed. Troopers pulled the bike over, and found Goncalves as the operator. Troopers seized just under eight grams of cocaine from Goncalves’ person and the motorcycle. That arrest led to his bail being revoked.

Search Warrant Uncovered More Drugs

On February 26, 2020, while Goncalves was out on bail after being held for the bail revocation period, Taunton Police executed a search warrant at his residence. Goncalves was inside with his girlfriend, and told the police all the drugs were located in the master bedroom. In the bedroom, police found an amount of cocaine determined to be under trafficking weight, along with $1,129 in cash.

District Attorney Criticizes Bail Decisions

“The defendant was released by the court after committing two crimes while out on bail. Unfortunately, this happens too often in our court system," D.A. Quinn said.