New Bedford man charged with raping teenage girl

June 16, 2010 12:00 AM

NEW BEDFORD — A city man is charged with raping a teenage girl on two occasions last year.

Antonio P. Lopes Monteiro, 47, told police he once accidentally touched the 13-year-old girl. However, the alleged victim said Monteiro raped her on two occasions last year.

The alleged victim came forward earlier this year and filed a complaint with police.

Monteiro is charged with two counts of rape of a child with force and two counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14.

Monteiro's attorney, Andrea DeBries, said Monteiro knew a relative of the victim for several years without incident.

Meanwhile, prosecutors said Monteiro is an illegal immigrant from Cape Verde who did not provide any identification to police detectives who arrested him late Sunday.

Monteiro's lawyer said he has lived several years at an apartment at 66 Phillips Ave.

In addition to a $25,000 cash bail set Monday by Judge Robert A. Welsh III, Monteiro is being detained by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

He is scheduled to return to court July 1.

Brian Fraga

www.southcoasttoday.com