Taunton Man Sentenced for Molesting 13-Year-Old Girl

FALL RIVER — A 43-year-old Taunton man, who was charged in connection with a 2015 case where the defendant assaulted a 13-year-old girl with the intent to rape her, was convicted after a jury trial on Monday and sentenced in Fall River Superior Court to serve up to 15 years in prison followed by five years of probation, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced.

Hercules Teixeira was convicted by a jury for the crimes of assault with intent to rape a child, and indecent assault and battery on a child.

On May 8, 2015, the 13-year-old juvenile victim attended a dance in Taunton with friends. At the conclusion of the dance, the victim went to a friend’s house, where she spent the night. The next morning, the victim’s friend left his home and the victim was alone in the residence with her friend’s step father, the defendant.

While the victim was showering, the defendant attempted to gain entrance to the bathroom. The defendant repeatedly attempted to grope the victim’s breast and genital area. The defendant persisted and was able to pull up the victim’s shirt, assaulting her by touching and licking her breasts. The defendant then exposed himself to the victim and attempted to force his genitals into her mouth. The victim took evasive action and the defendant ejaculated on the side of her neck. Throughout this incident, the victim resisted and told the defendant to stop. The defendant drove the victim to another friend’s house, where she was visibly upset. The victim’s clothes were seized and sent to the Massachusetts State Police Crime Lab for analysis. Some of the defendant’s DNA was detected on the victim’s sweater.

During a sentencing hearing held before Judge Thomas McGuire, Assistant District Attorneys Casey Smith and Jennifer Thompson argued for a 10-to-15-year state prison term followed by probation. The defendant recommended four to six years in state prison with probation.

Judge McGuire sentenced the defendant to serve 10 to 15 years in state prison, followed by five years of probation.

“I am very pleased the jury convicted the defendant of molesting the victim, who was almost 30 years younger than he. The defendant abused a position of trust and engaged in very vile criminal conduct,” District Attorney Quinn said. “Unfortunately, the victim will have to carry this memory with her forever. However, the jury verdict and sentence imposed by the Court can help her move forward with her life. I commend the victim for her perseverance in this case.”

--Bristol County District Attorney's Office