Following numerous complaints from residents and local businesses regarding an unauthorized encampment near Lewiston Street and Interstate 195, as well as reports of suspected criminal activity, the Fall River Police Department launched a coordinated investigation. The Mayor’s Office and members of the City Council also received concerns from the community and relayed them directly to Chief Paul Hoar.
We appreciate the residents and business owners who took the time to report what they were seeing. We listened to your concerns, developed a strategic enforcement plan, and put it into action. The results speak for themselves.
It is important to emphasize that homelessness is not a crime. However, when an encampment becomes associated with drug trafficking or other criminal activity, the Fall River Police Department will take appropriate enforcement action while continuing to work with community partners to offer available services.
On Wednesday, July 16, following a three-week undercover investigation and surveillance operation, members of the Community Action and Suppression Team (CAST) executed a search warrant at an encampment along the Quequechan River as part of an investigation into the suspected distribution of crack cocaine and fentanyl.
As a result of the search, detectives seized approximately:
- 16.5 grams of suspected crack cocaine
- 1 gram of suspected fentanyl
- 17 Suboxone strips
- Additional items consistent with drug distribution
Antone Costa, 57, was arrested and charged with multiple drug distribution offenses.
Bryttany Lemieux, 36, was arrested on an outstanding warrant.
Several other individuals occupying the unauthorized encampment have been served notice to vacate the area. The department’s outreach team will continue working with those individuals to connect them with housing, treatment, and other support services should they choose to accept assistance.
“Our response reflects the balance between compassion and accountability,” said Chief Paul Hoar. “We will continue working alongside our outreach partners to assist those in need, but homelessness cannot be used as a shield for criminal activity. I commend the members of our CAST Unit for their thorough investigation and decisive action, as well as the officers of our Patrol Bureau, whose daily presence and continued monitoring help protect our neighborhoods and prevent these conditions from returning.”
