Fall River and Florida men arrested in alleged Portsmouth sex trafficking sting, two for minor

Portsmouth, RI – (July 22, 2024) – Two individuals have been charged with crimes related to targeting children for sex and one individual has been charged with a crime related to procurement of sexual conduct for a fee with an adult.

These investigations stemmed from a joint investigation by the Portsmouth Police Detective Division and Homeland Security Investigations. 

On Friday, members of the Portsmouth Police Detective Division arrested two defendants following an undercover operation aimed at identifying those utilizing websites and online platforms to meet and engage with minors for sexual activity.

It is alleged that the defendants traveled to a location in Portsmouth to engage in sexual activity with a minor. A third individual was arrested during the undercover operation after attempting to engage in commercial sexual activity with an adult. As a result of the operation, the following individuals were charged: 

Duarte M. Arruda, age 61, of Fall River, MA is charged with one count of Patronizing a Minor for Commercial Sexual Activity and one count of Indecent Solicitation of a Minor. 

Lee Berry, age 41, of Delray Beach, FL is charged with one count of Patronizing a Minor for Commercial Sexual Activity and one count of Indecent Solicitation of a Minor. 

Damon A. Teixeira, age 31, of Fall River, MA is charged with one count of Procurement of Sexual Conduct for a Fee-1st Offense. 

Arruda and Berry were arraigned by a Justice of the Peace and are scheduled to appear in Newport County District Court on Thursday for their formal arraignment. 

Teixeira was processed and released with a District Court Summons to appear in Newport County District Court on August 1, 2024, for his formal arraignment.

The investigation was conducted by the Portsmouth Police Detective Division, HSI New England Field Office for Rhode Island, and assisted by the Warwick Police Department.