NEW BEDFORD — A lawsuit claiming more than $5 million in damages has been filed against the city, alleging civil rights violations that led to a man’s prosecution for drug trafficking.
Also named in the lawsuit, filed by Miguel Martinez in Bristol County Superior Court on March 2, are former New Bedford Police Detective Jared Lucas, Detective Kevin Barbosa, and unnamed supervisory officers.
Martinez had been charged with trafficking in fentanyl, 36 grams or more; trafficking in cocaine, 18 grams or more; and unlawful possession of suboxone with intent to distribute, according to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office…