Paul Oliveira

They didn't believe, in my opinion... that all their informants could beat all the cops that would go to the defense of Oliveira. That's just a visceral response.

And one thing my clients knew was I fought long and hard for them. And it wasn't always clear who was going to jail, me or them.

Can I get one more Grey Goose on the Rocks, please? Yes, absolutely. Right away.

I had a rule. When you came to see me, one of the first things I'd ever ask you is, listen, at some point they're going to suggest to you that you can cooperate with them, that you could make a deal with them. Now, if that's what you wish to do, I don't have a problem with that, except I'm not your lawyer that can do that. I'm not going to represent you to cooperate against somebody else.

It's not what I believe in.

I went to prison myself in 1985. Ironically, Donald Trump and I had something in common.

They were giving subpoenas to lawyers all over, and the lawyers were cooperating. I was one of the few that didn't cooperate.

Well, it comes from the idea that there are certain rules and regulations. And, you know, if you do the crime, then you don't get out of it by talking, you know, ratting somebody out. The mentality of the police can be described as they believe us against them. Thin blue line. I mean, cops used to say this to me all the time. Well, get your client to come in here and quarrel.

I said, listen, man, I'm tired of this shit with you characters. You motherfuckers don't rat on each other if it's not good enough for you. It ain't good enough for my clients. So don't start telling my client what he or she should do. They're not going to do what you don't do. Now shut the fuck up and leave me alone.

The idea that he got the chief of police is beyond my understanding.

Let's put it this way. To say he didn't have a good reputation as a drug cop is an understatement. Everybody knew way back when nobody trusted Oliveira. Anybody you ask would have said, you trust this guy? Fuck no.

You know, I don't get afraid easily, but... I would not deal with Paul Oliveira except at arm's length and making sure I crossed every T and dotted the I's. I mean, I believe the man is treacherous. I mean, let me just tell you, you don't go to a meeting by yourself with Paul Oliveira. You make sure you take another person. You make sure you're fucking in public. You don't meet him anywhere.

I mean, he's clever. He got to be chief of police.

It's a tremendous honor and privilege. Oliveira is New Bedford's chief of police. For me to accept the role of police chief for this department that I am so proud of. Again, I thank you for this opportunity and look forward to working with all of you.