Brazilian National Illegally Living in Fall River Gets Prison for Rape, Child Porn Charges

FALL RIVER (WBSM) — A Brazilian national living in Fall River who is in the country illegally has been sentenced to up to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to raping a woman after she refused to give him nude photos and videos of her 12-year-old daughter.

Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced that Elias Rodrigues Dos Santos Mendes, 55, pleaded guilty in Fall River Superior Court to two counts of rape, and one count each of assault to rape, indecent assault and battery on a person over 14, and possession of child pornography.

He was sentenced to eight to 10 years in state prison, and will be subject to deportation at the conclusion of his sentence.

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How the Fall River Assault Case Began

The charges date back to March 2024. The adult female victim had recently arrived in the United States with her four children, and was introduced to Mendes, who she was told could assist her and her children in finding housing in Fall River.

When he saw the victim’s 12-year-old daughter, he asked the woman to give him nude photos and videos of the girl so he could sell them. He showed her numerous photos and videos of other nude children on his phone. She refused, and while the two were in Mendes’ vehicle, he became angry and then sexually assaulted and raped her in the vehicle.

Evidence Recovered by Police

The victim reported the rape to police, and two of Mendes’ phones were seized. Child pornography was found on one of the devices. The victim sought medical treatment, which produced a DNA sample later matched to Mendes.

District Attorney Responds to Case

"The defendant took advantage of his position of familiarity and trust with the victim to rape her after attempting to convince her to take nude photos of her children, which she refused. The defendant was also caught with child pornography on his phone,” D.A. Quinn said. “This clearly demonstrates a disturbed and deranged mind.”