Rhode Island Man Sentenced for Violent Dartmouth Assault

A 34-year-old Rhode Island man is headed to state prison after admitting to violently assaulting a woman last year as the two sat in a car in Dartmouth.

Brandon Genereux pleaded guilty last week in Fall River Superior Court to assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery on a family or household member, possession of an illegal firearm, unlawful possession of an illegal firearm, unlawful possession of a large capacity feeding device and possession of cocaine, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced.

Genereux, who was already being detained without bail, was sentenced to serve two-and-a-half years in state prison.

The charges stem from a July 25, 2018 incident where the defendant and the victim sat in his car in Dartmouth. Genereux, while high on cocaine and alcohol, slammed the woman's head into the car door and dashboard. When she tried to get out, he then pulled her back in by her hair and bit her. He pulled a gun and threatened her with it, according to the Fall River Herald News.

Dartmouth Police responded after the woman reported the incident. They found the defendant in his car along with cocaine, pills, a Glock handgun, and two large capacity magazines, one of which was loaded with 12 rounds of ammunition.

Genereux has a lengthy criminal record in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

"The defendant engaged in violent and manipulative conduct fueled by drugs, and does not belong on the street," said Quinn in a statement. "He is a dangerous individual who has a significant record with charges pending in another county."

Quinn said the case highlights "the importance of detaining dangerous defendants without bail so they cannot commit more crimes before their cases are resolved."