Man accused of crimes against a child held without bail in Fall River Superior Court

SWANSEA — A suspect was arraigned Thursday in Fall River Superior Court on numerous child sexual assault charges.

According to Swansea Police Chief Mark Foley, 47-year-old Shayne Michael Hetherson of Swansea was indicted February 19th by a grand jury on charges of Aggravated Rape of a Child With a Ten-Year Age Difference (Four Counts), Unnatural Act With a Child (Two Counts), Indecent Assault and Battery on a Child Under the Age of 14, and Indecent Assault and Battery on a Person 14 Years Old or Older.

Hetherson was initially arrested by the Swansea Police Department and arraigned on January 5th related to a domestic violence investigation.

On January 6th, the Swansea Police Department began an investigation after police received reports that Hetherson had an inappropriate relationship with a minor between June and August 2025.

Through an investigation by the Swansea Police Department and Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, probable cause was developed to bring additional charges forward against Hetherson related to the sexual assault allegations.

According to court records, Hetherson pled not guilty on Thursday and was held without bail.

A bail hearing is scheduled for April 6th.