A scandal has rocked the New Bedford, Massachusetts Police Department following revelations of a retired detective's years-long affair with the fiancée of an alleged heroin trafficker. The affair, which reportedly involved intimate encounters in a patrol car and the exchange of confiscated marijuana, has raised serious questions about the integrity of a major drug operation and the officer's conduct.

New Bedford, Massachusetts, police cruisers (New Bedford Police Dept/FB)

According to a recent Boston Globe report based on an internal affairs investigation, former detective Jared Lucas carried on a relationship with Carly Medeiros, the fiancée of Steven Ortiz, an alleged drug kingpin awaiting trial. The investigation substantiated Medeiros’s claims, which were initially dismissed by prosecutors, detailing a relationship that began around 2014 and continued even as Lucas was involved in a multi-agency operation targeting Ortiz's alleged drug ring.

Medeiros alleges that Lucas leveraged his position to shield her from legal consequences, including intervening during traffic stops. She also claims to have unknowingly served as an informant for Lucas, providing information about Ortiz's activities without formal registration as an informant. This revelation raises concerns about the legality and ethics of the information gathering process used in the operation, dubbed “Operation High Stakes,” which resulted in the arrest of 21 individuals and the seizure of substantial quantities of heroin and fentanyl.

A man prepares to inject heroin. (Reuters)

The internal investigation concluded that Lucas likely used his authority to protect Medeiros from legal trouble. It also determined that Medeiros was not properly registered as an informant despite providing information and participating in controlled drug purchases. While the report characterized Lucas’s actions as an isolated incident, the fallout from the scandal is likely to impact Ortiz’s upcoming trial. Legal experts suggest that the defense will likely use the report to challenge the integrity of the investigation and allege bias by law enforcement.

A fishing boat passes a lighthouse on its way toward the entrance of the New Bedford Harbor. (David L. Ryan/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Having retired in 2021 before the internal investigation commenced, Lucas declined to participate in the inquiry. He responded to the Boston Globe’s request for comment with a dismissive email, questioning the reporter’s “infatuation” with him. New Bedford Police Chief Paul Oliveira expressed disappointment over Lucas's actions, emphasizing that they do not represent the values of the department. Due to Lucas's resignation, the department has limited options for disciplinary action.

The New Bedford Police Department (Google Maps)