Police Crack Down on County Street Spins Revolving Door on Offenders

New Bedford, MA – Detectives assigned to the Organized Crime Intelligence Bureau focused their efforts on the County St. bar district for two days in response to recent complaints, resulting in 15 arrests for various charges.

On Wednesday, August 28th, detectives utilized surveillance strategies to monitor drug activity and search out wanted persons. At around 1:30 PM, a drug transaction was observed in the doorway of 116 County St. EDMILSON GOMES, 28, of 917 County St., sold crack cocaine to ELISHA SCOTT-MATWANA, 56, of 979 Pleasant St. It was also learned that CARLOS TAVARES, 41, of 125 Griffin Ct., had brokered the deal. As a result, detectives moved in and placed all three under arrest.

EDMILSON has been placed under arrest three times since the beginning of this year, all for drug-related charges involving the distribution of crack cocaine. He was arrested in April, May, and now again in August. He has 58 arraignments on his adult record, and 43 of those cases resulted in dismissal.

Later that afternoon, surveillance units observed DARREN ANDRADE, 36, of 78 Nelson St., engaged in a drug transaction near the Nelson St./Crapo St. intersection. Further investigation revealed that he had sold crack cocaine to JESSICA BRENNAN, 27, and SANDRA DUARTE, 49. All three parties were taken into custody.

DARREN has an extensive criminal history with over 69 adult arraignments. Twenty-three of those cases resulted in court dismissals. He has convictions for a variety of offenses, including three for firearms possession and one for armed robbery. He now stands charged with two counts of crack distribution and conspiracy.

The next day, and less than 24 hours after having already been arrested, CARLOS TAVARES was once again stopped by detectives, this time in a vehicle with JASON COOK, 32, of 69 South St. Upon approach, the two were found to have both crack cocaine and fentanyl. Both were taken into custody and charged with possession and conspiracy. At the time of these two arrests, TAVARES was already on probation out of New Bedford District Court. He was recently convicted of larceny in February of this year, for which he was sentenced to six months.

Later that afternoon, at around 4 PM, YARILUZ SEGARRA-MENDEZ, 41, of 460 Bolton St., was observed sitting outside 116 County St. She was found to have an active warrant for her arrest and subsequently taken into custody. Approximately four hours later, SEGARRA-MENDEZ was observed with JESSICA BRENNAN, who, herself, had been arrested for drug activity just the day prior. Both women were found to have crack cocaine. SEGARRA-MENDEZ was also found to have fentanyl and over $200 in cash that was seized.

SEGARRA-MENDEZ has been arrested by the NBPD a dozen times for active warrants. She has defaulted from court 26 times and been arraigned 53 times, with 31 cases resulting in dismissal.

“An individual who defaults on warrants can be arrested repeatedly for the same offense, using up valuable resources that can be directed towards investigating new crimes. It’s a tremendous drain on our system. This is a perfect example of just that. This woman was arrested on her warrant issued by the court, is released, and then is arrested only hours later engaging in illicit narcotics activity,” said Chief Oliveira of the arrest.

Late Thursday evening, BRITTANY TODMAN, 33, was observed in a transaction with GUILHERME JALO, 22, during which he sold her crack cocaine. Upon being stopped, JALO was found to have $690 in cash, which was seized due to the nature of his charges. Both he and BRITTANY were placed under arrest.

JESUS GARCIA-GARCIA, 53, and JACQUELINE ERICA JEREMIAH, 50, were observed by detectives and had active warrants for their arrest. CLAUDIO MONTEIRO, 42, of 23 Scott St., was found to have two active warrants for his arrest and crack cocaine in his possession after being observed leaving 116A County St.

Also arrested in the area was CHRISTOPHER BARBOZA, 51, of 27 Brigham St., who had an active warrant for his arrest and crack cocaine in his possession. CHRISTOPHER has 50 arraignments on his adult record, 22 of which resulted in dismissals. At the time of this arrest, he was on probation out of Attleboro District Court.

“It’s noteworthy that we continue to arrest the same people for the same offenses within very short periods,” said Chief Paul Oliveira. “This is emblematic of the revolving door that continues to spin. I am sympathetic to the business and property owners who have contacted us regarding these same offenders who continue to disrupt their daily lives. I’m also proud of these officers who continue to serve the public fervently despite the discouragement they experience in seeing the same offenders out on the streets again so quickly.”

Since the beginning of the year, 55 arrests have been made on County St. in this area.