Town employee charged with rape, released on bail

Jan 28, 2020

A Dartmouth town employee arrested on January 23 for rape was released on bail Monday, according to Westport police.

Westport Police Detective Sergeant Chris Dunn confirmed that Kevin Nunes, 48, who works for the Department of Public Works Water Division, was charged with rape and indecent assault and battery on a person over 14 after an incident that allegedly occurred in Westport on January 18.

Dartmouth police assisted in the investigation, which was led by Westport Police Detective Jeffrey Majewski.

Det. Sgt. Dunn said over the phone that he was unable to give more details on the case, as due to the charges of rape and indecent assault, the Massachusetts Rape Shield law comes into effect.

“I can’t really say anything because we’re protecting the victim,” he said. 

The charge of indecent assault and battery on a person over 14 does not mean that the victim is a minor, he added. “That’s just the way the statute is written.”

Nunes was released on $5,000 cash bail after a hearing in which the District Attorney deemed him to be dangerous. 

He is required to wear a GPS monitoring bracelet and obey a curfew from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., and is forbidden from contacting any victim or witnesses.

His job status with the town of Dartmouth is unclear. Town Administrator Shawn MacInnes could not be reached for comment.

The police investigation is ongoing.

Nunes is due back in Fall River District Court on February 11.