New Bedford Man Convicted on Rape and Molestation Charges

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — A New Bedford man was convicted last week for rape and molestation of underage victims.

Joel Berberena, 35, was convicted in Fall River Superior Court on indictments charging him with two counts of rape of a child-aggravated by age difference, four counts of indecent assault and battery on a person under the age of 14, and one count each of rape of a child by force and indecent assault and battery on a person over the age of 14.

The charges came after November 30, 2020, when a 12-year-old girl told her mother she was digitally raped by Berberena when she stayed over the house of Berberena’s relative. The victim told police that she was also sexually molested at least three times during her stay.

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Forensic interviews at Bristol County Children’s Advocacy Center further revealed that Berberena repeatedly digitally raped and sexually molested another close female relative when the girl was between the ages of 12 and 15.

Both victims testified during the trial.

Berberena was sentenced to 23 to 30 years in state prison followed by seven years of supervised probation.

“The defendant engaged in depraved conduct by raping a close relative and another relative’s friend. He took advantage of his access to both victims to rape these two young girls,” District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III said.

“I commend the victims for their fortitude and perseverance for testifying in this case under very difficult circumstances," Quinn said. "The lengthy state prison sentence imposed by the court was warranted.”