Dartmouth police officer arrested for child rape

A Dartmouth police officer known for his youth advocacy and outreach work has been arrested and ordered held without bail on child rape charges.

According to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts State Police arrested Shawn Souza, 37, of Dartmouth, at the Dartmouth Police Station on April 4.

He is charged with 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 alleged incidents involved two children, according to the District Attorney’s Office. All of the alleged incidents occurred in Dartmouth.

He was arraigned in New Bedford District Court on Friday, and ordered held without bail pending the results of a dangerousness hearing.

The arrest occurred as a result of a report from the Department of Children and Families.

Upon learning of the report, Dartmouth Police officials immediately reached out the District Attorney Office’s Special Victims Unit, and requested that the office lead the investigation.

Further details about the case are not being released publicly at this time. Reports and court paperwork regarding the case were ordered impounded by the court to protect the identities of the victims. 

In an emailed statement, Police Chief Brian Levesque reported that the officer has been placed on paid administrative leave. His department-issued firearm and badge have been seized. The press release stated the allegations against Souza did not occur while he was on-duty.

Souza has been with the department since 2008. He is a patrol officer. Souza was once praised for his outreach work, and work with area youth. 

In a Dartmouth Week article published in 2015, it was noted Souza’s pick-up basketball games with children in the Crossroads Drive apartment complex helped build trust with the young residents to solve a crime in the neighborhood weeks later.

Souza was on a team of Dartmouth police officers who won a wing eating competition hosted by the Children’s Advocacy Center of Bristol County. The non-profit organization provides support for children dealing with abuse and trauma.

In a post on the Dartmouth Police Department Facebook page, Souza was highlighted for his community policing work during the Padanaram Summer Festival.