Former corrections officer sentenced in Fall River armed robbery

According to Jennifer Sowa of the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, a local man was sentenced to prison earlier this week.

Joseph Farias, a 47 year old former Corrections Officer of Westport, was sentenced on November 27, 2018 in the Fall River Superior Court for robbing a 7-11 and Rite Aid in Fall River, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced.

On September 4, 2017, the defendant, Joseph Farias, entered the 7-11 convenience store on North Main Street in Fall River. Once inside the defendant demanded money from the clerk while brandishing a knife. The clerk opened the register drawer and the defendant fled with $100 and could not be located. On October 4, 2017 the defendant entered the Rite Aid on South Main Street with a tarp wrapped around his neck and back. The defendant indicated to the clerk that he had a gun and kept his hand behind his back. Based on this threat the clerk opened the register and the defendant stole approximately $365 and fled. Surveillance from Rite Aid showed a large tattoo on the suspects neck, “Back Roads”. The defendant’s and parole supervisor from a previous conviction noted the defendant to have the same tattoo. The defendant’s ex-wife also identified him as the person who committed the Rite Aid Robbery.

The Commonwealth, represented by Assistant District Attorney Jason Mohan, recommended a 4 to 6 ½ year state prison sentence with probation. The Defendant recommended a 2 year State Prison sentence with probation. Judge Mark Hallal imposed a State Prison sentence of 4 years with 3 years of probation to follow.

“This defendant has a history of committing violent robberies,” District Attorney Quinn said. “He needs to be locked up to protect the public”.