Former Freetown Teacher Sentenced 30 to 40 Years for Child Rape

FREETOWN (WBSM) — A former Freetown substitute teacher and Sunday School teacher was sentenced after numerous indictments related to the rape and molestation of a 14-year-old girl.

Gilbert Hernandez, 58, was sentenced today to serve 30 to 40 years in state prison.

He was convicted Monday on five counts of rape of a child-aggravated by more than a 10-year age difference, two counts of rape of a child by force, four counts of indecent assault and battery, and two counts of dissemination of obscene matter to a child.

Following his sentence, Hernandez will also face 10 years of supervised probation.

Get our free mobile app

Hernandez knew the victim through a friendship she had with his son, along with his role as a substitute teacher in the Freetown-Lakeville schools. He was also a Sunday School teacher at a church in Freetown.

The rapes and molestations all occurred between February and July of 2018 in the towns of Freetown, Raynham, Taunton and Lakeville.

READ MORE: Former Freetown Teacher Convicted of Child Rape Charges

“It is particularly galling that the defendant was her religious education instructor and a substitute teacher at her school. I thank the efforts of the prosecution team, led by Silvia Rudman and Danielle Pixley, and the victim’s family for their perseverance in the most difficult of circumstances,” Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn said.

“Despite the trauma caused by the defendant’s abuse, I hope the victim can move forward with her life," Quinn said.