53-year-old with history of convictions sentenced to prison in Fall River Superior Court on drug charges

Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn, III has announced the conviction of a 53-year-old man for narcotics charges in the Fall River Superior Court. 

Keither Parson of New Bedford pled guilty before the Honorable Sharon Donatelle to Possession with the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, Conspiracy and Possession with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine and was sentenced to serve 3 to 3 1/2 years in the State Prison. 

On 1/24/23, New Bedford Police had obtained a search warrant for Parson’s residence on 40 Russell Street in New Bedford.  Police had surveilled his residence and observed foot traffic to his apartment consistent with behavior that is exhibited by individuals purchasing narcotics.

Parson was detained by New Bedford Police on the afternoon of 1/24/23 when he exited his apartment. He was transported back to his apartment by police and was provided Miranda warnings.  Police entered the apartment, after knocking and announcing their presence, and found Parson’s wife, Lainie Silva, seated fully clothed on the bathroom toilet attempting to flush drugs.  Silva was secured by police, and 24 bags of suspected narcotics were seized from the toilet bowl. 

A search of the entire apartment yielded 13.4 grams of Fentanyl, 17.96 grams of Cocaine, a digital scale, $96.00 in drug proceeds and other items associated with packaging narcotics for street sale.  Parson told police the only drugs in the apartment were located in the bathroom.  Silva previously pled guilty in the New Bedford District Court to Possession with the Intent to Distribute narcotics and received a suspended sentence. 

Parson had posted bail on this Superior Court case but was in custody at the time of the plea after having his bail revoked due to a new drug charge in the New Bedford District Court.  According to the DA, Pason has a history of narcotics convictions and has served prior time in the House of Correction and Federal Prison.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Catherine Sauter.