Swansea man sentenced to 20-30 years in prison for rape

SWANSEA, Mass. (WLNE) — District Attorney Thomas Quinn shared Thursday a Swansea man has been sentenced to serve up to 30 years in prison for multiple rape charges.

Brad Johnson, 44, of Swansea, was convicted with rape of a child by force, assault with intend to rape, and four counts of indecent assault and battery on a person under the age of 14.

Johnson was accused of sexually molesting a younger female relative between 2015 and 2021 when the child was between eight and 13 years old.

The allegations finally came to the attention of authorities in 2021 after the victim’s mother noticed the child self-harming.

After investigation, it was found that 44-year-old Johnson repeatedly assaulted the girl at his Walker Street home.

The victim, mother, and a friend of the victim, all testified in court.

District Attorney Quinn said, “The facts of this case are both reprehensible and heartbreaking. The defendant repeatedly molested the victim over a five year period, starting when she was just eight-years-old.  He should have been loving and protecting her, especially at such a young age.  He breached her trust by repeatedly sexually assaulting her and changed her life forever.”

“However, I admire the victim’s perseverance and fortitude in dealing with this incomprehensible situation.  After speaking with her after sentencing, I know she is moving forward with her life and has a great future.  I hope this conviction and lengthy prison sentence will give her and her family closure, so that she can put this tragedy behind her and have a productive life.”