New Bedford man charged with raping child freed on low bail

A 37-year-old man charged with rape of a child was released on a low bail Wednesday, May 9, despite a request by the district attorney’s office that his bail be nearly seven times higher.

Jorge Medeiros, 37, of 195 Brook St. Apt. 2, New Bedford, was arrested on three counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14, two counts of statutory aggravated rape of a child, aggravated rape of a child under 16, kidnapping of a child, intimidation of a witness and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

The crimes began when the victim was eight years old.

The district attorney’s office requested that he be held on $50,000 bail, that a restraining order be in place and that he wear a GPS monitoring bracelet.

Judge Robert Ovoian rejected that suggestion and set bail at $7,500. The judge ordered him to wear a GPS monitoring bracelet and have no contact with children under 18.

Medeiros posted bail and is now free.