Taunton Man Convicted of Midday Shootout

Bristol County District Attorney’s Office

Thomas M. Quinn III

District Attorney

Press Release

January 19, 2016

For Immediate Release:

District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced that a 28-year-old Taunton man was convicted Friday for his role in a midday June 2014  shootout in Memorial Park in Taunton.

Orlando Cornier, formerly of 62 First Street, was convicted all charges after a two day jury trial in Taunton District Court late last week. The jury needed only an hour of deliberations before returning guilty verdicts on charges of carrying an illegal firearm, carrying a loaded illegal firearm, possession of ammunition, discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling, and two counts of assault by means of a dangerous weapon (firearm).

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Shawn Guilderson, who argued for a five year house of corrections sentence, in addition to two years of probation. Judge John Canavan, however, sentenced the defendant to serve a two year jail sentence, to be followed by four years of supervised probation.

On June 2, 2014, Taunton Police responded to a daylight shooting at Memorial Park. After a rapid investigation into the incident led by Taunton Detective Sergeant Matthew Skwarto, police were able to obtain an arrest warrant for Mr. Cornier. Witnesses on scene observed the defendant in broad daylight standing in the middle of first street and fire several gun shots into memorial park. No one was injured during the shootout.

“I am very happy with the jury’s verdict.  This D engaged in extremely reckless and violent conduct in a heavily populated area right next to a school,” said District Attorney Quinn.  “This is a significant victory for the citizens of Taunton, particularly those who live in the immediate area of Memorial Park. I would like to commend ADA Shawn Guilderson for his prosecution of this case.”

Contact:

Gregg Miliote
Director of Communications

508-997-0711

774-292-9576–cell