BY: Curt Brown
southcoasttoday.com
The trial of an alleged SouthCoast crime boss, charged in connection with a 2009 stabbing in Dartmouth, is scheduled to go to the jury today.
Timothy Lee Barreira, 49, of Dartmouth, portrayed in federal court documents as the leader of a regional criminal enterprise, is charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon as a result of a Jan. 4, 2009, stabbing outside the former Stinky Pete's Bar on State Road.
Barreira is charged with stabbing a 42-year-old Dartmouth man twice in the arm with a knife in the parking lot after an argument.
Testimony in the trial ended Thursday and jury deliberations are scheduled to begin this morning in New Bedford District Court.
Defense attorney Barry Wilson filed a motion to dismiss the charge of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon against his client, claiming the District Attorney's Office hadn't proved its case.
Wilson said no evidence was presented that a knife or any other weapon was used. He said the victim only testified to being punched twice.
Prosecutor Caleb Weiner said it can be "inferred" that a weapon was used, based on the victim's wounds.
"Those wounds are not consistent with being punched," the prosecutor said.
Judge Joseph I. Macy said he will rule on the defense motion today.
In April, federal prosecutors charged Barreira with four counts of income tax evasion, alleging he is involved in money laundering and drug trafficking.
Federal prosecutors claim Barreira is a violent leader of a criminal organization affiliated with members of the Sidewinders motorcycle gangs in New Bedford and Fall River and the Hells Angels in Providence.
Defense attorney Wilson has denied those allegations, calling them a "cheap shot" at his client.
