New Bedford Man, Charged with Child Rape, Released on Low Bail

NEW BEDFORD — A 37-year-old man charged with rape of a child was released on a low bail Wednesday, despite a request by the district attorney's office that his bail be nearly seven times higher.

Jorge Medeiros of 195 Brook Street, Apartment 2 in New Bedford was arrested on three counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14, two counts of statutory aggravated rape of a child, aggravated rape of a child under 16, kidnapping of a child, intimidation of a witness and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

The crimes began when the victim was eight years old.

The Bristol County District Attorney's Office requested he be held on $50,000 bail, that a restraining order be in place and that he wear a GPS monitoring bracelet.

Judge Robert Ovoian rejected that suggestion and set bail at $7,500. The judge did order him to wear a GPS monitoring bracelet, and have no contact with children under 18.

Medeiros posted bail and is now free.

--New Bedford Police