Dugan Arnett

In the last few months, we've reached out to every public official we could think of. New Bedford's police chief and mayor, members of the city council, the Bristol County DA's office, even the FBI. The most we've gotten back is a short statement, and some have ignored us altogether. Scapicchio underlines the vulnerability of informants, especially women like Carly.

In the last few months, we've reached out to every public official we could think of. New Bedford's police chief and mayor, members of the city council, the Bristol County DA's office, even the FBI. The most we've gotten back is a short statement, and some have ignored us altogether. Scapicchio underlines the vulnerability of informants, especially women like Carly.

And I've talked to others in my reporting for this series who have stories similar to Carly's, some we weren't able to include.

And I've talked to others in my reporting for this series who have stories similar to Carly's, some we weren't able to include.

I think I asked you this earlier, but are part of you a little disappointed you weren't able to sort of do your thing?

I think I asked you this earlier, but are part of you a little disappointed you weren't able to sort of do your thing?

In a way, the dismissal of Ortiz's case should be a relief. The system worked like it was supposed to. Tainted evidence came to light, prosecutors and defense attorneys sparred, and in the end, a problematic case was dismissed. But still, it's hard not to look at the case and wonder. After eight years, more than 30 hearings, and countless taxpayer dollars, what do we really have to show for it?

In a way, the dismissal of Ortiz's case should be a relief. The system worked like it was supposed to. Tainted evidence came to light, prosecutors and defense attorneys sparred, and in the end, a problematic case was dismissed. But still, it's hard not to look at the case and wonder. After eight years, more than 30 hearings, and countless taxpayer dollars, what do we really have to show for it?

To date, not a single person has been held to account for the disaster that was the Commonwealth of Massachusetts versus Stephen Ortiz. Not the individuals at the heart of the alleged heroin trafficking ring. Not the detective whose transgressions torpedoed the case. He's retired now, by the way, collecting a healthy pension.

To date, not a single person has been held to account for the disaster that was the Commonwealth of Massachusetts versus Stephen Ortiz. Not the individuals at the heart of the alleged heroin trafficking ring. Not the detective whose transgressions torpedoed the case. He's retired now, by the way, collecting a healthy pension.

And certainly not the DA's office, which would rather dismiss a compromised case than confront the abuse in a system it so deeply relies on. Meanwhile, every day, judges keep signing search warrants. Cops keep kicking down doors. And prosecutors keep bringing charges. In Snitch City, the beat goes on. This episode of Spotlight Snitch City was reported and hosted by me, Dugan Arnett.

And certainly not the DA's office, which would rather dismiss a compromised case than confront the abuse in a system it so deeply relies on. Meanwhile, every day, judges keep signing search warrants. Cops keep kicking down doors. And prosecutors keep bringing charges. In Snitch City, the beat goes on. This episode of Spotlight Snitch City was reported and hosted by me, Dugan Arnett.

Additional reporting and producing by Andrew Ryan. This episode was produced and sound designed by Jasmine Aguilera. Executive producers are Spotlight editor Brendan McCarthy and Kristen Nelson, the Globe's head of audio. Additional editing and support from Gordon Russell. Engineering by Uzair Ahmed. Episode artwork by Julian D. Paulson. Art direction by Ryan Huddle.

Additional reporting and producing by Andrew Ryan. This episode was produced and sound designed by Jasmine Aguilera. Executive producers are Spotlight editor Brendan McCarthy and Kristen Nelson, the Globe's head of audio. Additional editing and support from Gordon Russell. Engineering by Uzair Ahmed. Episode artwork by Julian D. Paulson. Art direction by Ryan Huddle.

Podcast visualization by Olivia Yarvis and Anoush Elbakian. Heather Cyrus is the audience editor. Tim Rasmussen is visuals editor. Marketing support for this podcast comes from The Podglomerate.

Podcast visualization by Olivia Yarvis and Anoush Elbakian. Heather Cyrus is the audience editor. Tim Rasmussen is visuals editor. Marketing support for this podcast comes from The Podglomerate.

Before we begin, this story includes strong language and descriptions of violence. Please take care when listening.

Before we begin, this story includes strong language and descriptions of violence. Please take care when listening.

Carly Medeiros is the very first New Bedford informant I reported on.

Carly Medeiros is the very first New Bedford informant I reported on.