Man with criminal history sentenced in Fall River Superior Court for stabbing woman

A local man was sentenced Friday in Fall River Superior Court on multiple charges.

According to Dartmouth Police, in late January of 2024, Dartmouth Police detectives arrested then 41-year-old Ryan Veenstra of New Bedford on a warrant they obtained in connection with a stabbing that occurred in Dartmouth in October 2022.

In addition to the previously referenced warrant, Veenstra also had four other outstanding warrants at the time for charges including aggravated statutory rape, indecent assault and battery on a child under the age of fourteen, threats to commit a crime, and operating under the influence of liquor (2nd offense).

The investigation into the stabbing was reopened after detectives received new information that Veenstra had stabbed his ex-girlfriend.

According to the Clerk’s Office, on August 21st, Veenstra was found guilty on Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon Causing Serious Bodily Injury, Stalking, and Witness Intimidation.

Court records show that Veenstra was sentenced to not less than 12 to not more than 15 years in prison with 406 days credit for time served.