Swansea elected official with long rap sheet gets plea deal for newest charges

Swansea Planning Board member Jonathan Carreiro, brother of Swansea Selectman and current candidate for Bristol County Registar of Deeds Christopher Carreiro, was in court last Thursday on charges stemming from an election night act of vandalism in 2021.

Carreiro was reportedly caught on his neighbor’s security camera removing and throwing campaign lawn signs belonging to Melissa Afonso and Jim Pelletier on election night. After allegedly throwing the signs, Carreiro got back in his car, turned around and drove over the neighbor’s lawn and signs. Afonso challenged Carreiro’s twin brother, Christopher Carreiro, for his seat on the Swansea Board of Selectman. Christopher Carreiro won that race. Jonathan Carreiro himself won a seat on the planning board that night, having been a write-in candidate for the open seat.

Carreiro was charged with malicious destruction of property and intimidation of a witness and at a pre-trial hearing last Thursday, Carrerio plead to a deal that avoided trial and included 100 hours of community service.

The deal was “generous” according to the judge overseeing the case. Afonso and Pelletier were vocal about wanting a trial.

Fall River Reporter was able to view court documents showing Carreiro has multiple charges dating back to 2006 that include:

-Possession of a Class D substance
-Possession of a Class D substance, intent to distribute
-False/misuse of a Liquor Id Card/License
-Possession of liquor under 21
-Snow/Recreational vehicle on a public way
-Snow/Recreational vehicle unregistered
-Assault and Battery to collect a loan
-Malicious damage to a motor vehicle
-Unarmed Robbery
-Assault
-Leaving the scene of Personal Injury

Despite the previous and most recent legal troubles, Carreiro seems to have local support. In last Thursday’s hearing, William Flanagan, the attorney representing Carreiro, submitted character witness letters on behalf of Carreiro, written by members of the community. The letters, allegedly including one from Swansea Town Administrator Mallory Aronstein, have been requested by Fall River Reporter and will be published when available.