Tiverton Man Sentenced For Causing Fatal Crash While High On Fentanyl, Cocaine

TIVERTON, RI — A Tiverton man was sentenced to five years in prison after killing a man in a crash while driving under the influence of drugs, the Bristol County District Attorney's Office in Massachusetts said Wednesday.

Alexander Farias, 30, was convicted of manslaughter while operating under the influence, possession of class A, C, and E drugs, and unlawful possession of a large-capacity feeding device.

On June 8, 2021, Farias was driving on Route 24 southbound in Fall River, Massachusetts, while high on fentanyl and cocaine, prosecutors said. Prosecutors said Fairias started drifting, spun into the median and into the northbound side of the highway.

Farias then crashed into a car in the northbound lane. Prosecutors said James Dumas, 35, of Lakeville, Massachusetts, died in the crash.

According to prosecutors, Farias tested positive for cocaine and fentanyl and found drugs and a large-capacity firearm magazine in his truck.

"This was a terrible tragedy caused by the defendant because he was high on cocaine and fentanyl," Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn said. "He had no business driving that night, and his reckless decision took the life of an innocent person."

Following Farias' prison sentence, he must serve two years of probation.

Have a news tip? Email jimmy.bentley@patch.com.