New Bedford man arrested for lewd crimes in Dartmouth

Francisco Tavares, 61 of New Bedford, was arrested on Wednesday, Nov. 26 as a part of an undercover investigation into reports of people being flashed while at Harry Reynold’s Park. He is being charged with open and gross lewdness and lewd, wanton and lascivious conduct.

The Dartmouth police received reports of individuals exposing themselves to people on the walking trails. The Community Impact Unit was assigned to investigate and catch the individuals responsible. 

They found that the perpetrators were allegedly using social apps to facilitate meetings at pre-determined locations to engage in sexual acts, and a common meeting place was Harry Reynold’s Park. 

On Nov. 26, the investigators saw Tavares enter a walking trail and followed him. He then allegedly approached them and pulled his pants down, fully exposing himself to the investigators. He was detained, but released on the scene. 

He will appear at the New Bedford District Court for his hearing at an unknown date. 

Police stated that this activity continues to be a problem at the park, and they are continuing to work to combat the issue.