Fall River man convicted of molesting 3 daughters

FALL RIVER, Mass. (WLNE) — A Fall River man was convicted of molesting his three daughters on multiple instances between 2013 and 2021, according to Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn, III.

46-year-old Daniel Arruda was convicted of three counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14, three counts of indecent assault and battery on a child over the age of 14, and aggravated rape of a child (five-year age difference).

According to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, Arruda sexually assaulted his daughters on “various dates” between 2013 and 2021, in which the girls were between the ages of 12 and 16.

The sexual assaults and rapes happened during child visitations, as the children did not live with Arruda after a divorce with the children’s mother.

The defendant’s youngest daughter disclosed the abuse in May of 2021, leading to Arruda facing charges for all three victims.

“I am very pleased that the jury held the defendant accountable for molesting his three daughters.  This repulsive behavior was a betrayal of trust against his own flesh and blood,” District Attorney Thomas Quinn said.

Arruda is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 5.