Fall River Father Found Guilty of Raping His Daughters

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — A Fall River man has been convicted of child rape for sexually assaulting his daughters.

According to Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III, Daniel Arruda, 46, of Fall River was convicted on July 31 after a jury trial in New Bedford Superior Court.

Arruda was convicted of three counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under the age of 14, three counts of indecent assault and battery on a child over the age of 14, and aggravated rape of a child (five-year age difference).

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Timeline of Abuse

According to the D.A.’s Office, Arruda sexually assaulted his three daughters in Fall River on various dates between 2013 and 2021, when the children were between the ages of 12 and 16.

These sexual assaults and rapes happened during child visitations. The girls lived with their mother following her and Arruda’s divorce.

How the Truth Came Out

The D.A.’s Office said the abuse was revealed in May 2021, after the youngest victim came forward. That led to charges against Arruda for all three victims.

Sentencing Information

Arruda remains in custody and is scheduled for sentencing on September 5.

D.A. Quinn’s Statement

“I am very pleased that the jury held the defendant accountable for molesting his three daughters,” D.A. Quinn said. “This repulsive behavior was a betrayal of trust against his own flesh and blood.”