Tiverton man sentenced to prison in fatal Fall River crash that killed Lakeville man

A 30-year-old Tiverton, RI man who killed a 35-year-old Lakeville man while driving high on fentanyl and cocaine in Fall River two-and-a-half years ago was sentenced last week to state prison, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn III announced.

Alexander Farias pleaded guilty in Fall River Superior Court last week to indictments charging him with Manslaughter while OUI, Possession of Class A, C and E Drugs, and Unlawful Possession of a Large Capacity Firearm Feeding Device. He was sentenced to serve no less than five years.

On June 8, 2021, Farias, while high on fentanyl and cocaine, was driving on Route 24 southbound in Fall River. He started drifting and then traveled across the left travel lane and entered the grass median when his vehicle began spinning. The vehicle then entered the northbound lane and started rolling and collided with the victim, causing fatal injuries. The victim, James Dumas Jr., was driving home from work as an electrician at the time. The defendant was transported to Rhode Island Hospital where his blood was drawn for medical purposes. Fentanyl and cocaine found in his system. State Police detectives assigned to DA Quinn’s office got a warrant for Farias’ blood, which tested positive for fentanyl and cocaine.

Police also obtained a search warrant for a safe found in Farias’ truck. Found inside the safe was fentanyl, Alprazolam and Psilocybin. Also found was a large capacity firearm magazine.

The case was prosecuted by Co-First Assistant District Attorney Karen O’Sullivan and the five year to five years and a day state prison sentence was imposed by Judge Thomas McGuire. Farias was also placed on probation for an additional two years.

“This was a terrible tragedy caused by the defendant because he was high on cocaine and fentanyl. He had no business driving that night, and his reckless decision took the life of an innocent person. My heart goes out to the victim’s family, and I appreciate them expressing their feelings to the court during the sentencing hearing. I hope this resolution gives them closure,” District Attorney Quinn said.