New Bedford Child Rapist Convicted at Trial; Sentenced to More Than a Decade in Prison

PRESS RELEASE

December 20, 2023

Bristol County District Attorney

Thomas M. Quinn III

A 29-year-old New Bedford man was convicted by a jury of his peers recently of repeatedly raping and molesting a 12-year-old girl, who viewed him as a father, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced.

Christopher Baez-Rivera was convicted after a two-week long jury trial in Fall River Superior Court.  He was sentenced last Thursday by Judge Thomas McGuire to serve 12 to 15 years in state prison, to be followed by five years of supervised probation.  The trial was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Canan Yesilcimen.

The defendant’s mother became the guardian of the young victim when she was four years old.  The rapes and molestation occurred in New Bedford while the defendant was living in the same home with the victim in 2020 and 2021.

The jury deliberated for just under four hours before convicting the defendant.

“The defendant took advantage of his relationship with and access to the victim.  She was only 12 years old when he repeatedly raped her. I commend the victim for coming forward and persevering through this very difficult ordeal. I hope she can move forward with her life,” District Attorney Quinn said.

Contact:

Gregg Miliote

Director of Communications

774-292-9576