Dartmouth police officer charged with alleged child rape due in court

DARTMOUTH, Mass. — A Dartmouth police officer accused of raping a child is due back in court Monday for a dangerousness hearing.

Shawn Souza, 37, has been held without bail since his arraignment Friday in New Bedford District Court. Souza was arrested Thursday at the Dartmouth police station on charges of rape of a child by force, rape of a child aggravated by age difference and two counts of indecent assault and battery on a person under 14 years old by a mandated reporter, the Bristol County District Attorney office said.

A report from the Department of Children and Families triggered the investigation which is alleged to have occurred in Dartmouth.

The Bristol County DA's Special Victim's Unit is leading the investigation.

Souza has been on paid administrative leave from the force since he was charged, Dartmouth Police Chief Brian P. Levesque said, and his department-issued firearm and badge have been seized.

Related:

Londonderry Police officer charged in DUI crash that killed 21-year-old woman  

14 Springfield officers charged in connection to assault near bar

Lawrence police officer accused of raping teenage boy remains in jail

Cox Media Group