Crime
Somerset Police arrest 3 men accused of wanting to pay to have sex with minor
Three local men are facing some disturbing charges.
According to Chief William Tedford, on Wednesday, the Somerset Police Department Detective Division, in partnership with the Swansea Police Detective Division and the Massachusetts State Police High-Risk Victims Unit, conducted a joint undercover operation targeting individuals attempting to engage in commercial sexual activity with minors.
The operation, which took place at a pre-determined location in Somerset, resulted in the arrest of three individuals who arrived at the location under the belief they would be meeting a minor for sexual purposes.
The following individuals were arrested and charged:
1. Fabio A. Gomes, age 38, of 253 Broadway, Taunton, MA
o Pay for Sexual Conduct with a Child Under 18
o Enticing a Child Under 16
o Attempt to Commit a Crime
2. John J. Kelley, age 78, of 157 E. Water Street, Taunton, MA
o Pay for Sexual Conduct with a Child Under 18
o Enticing a Child Under 16
o Attempt to Commit a Crime
3. Gilbert Travassos, age 54, of 81 Stafford Road, Apt. 1, Fall River, MA
o Pay for Sexual Conduct with a Child Under 18
o Enticing a Child Under 16
o Attempt to Commit a Crime
Chief William Tedford expressed his gratitude to the Swansea Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police High-Risk Victims Unit for their support in this operation. “The most effective way to protect our vulnerable populations is through a collaborative, multi-agency approach with our local and state partners,” said Chief Tedford.
According to court records, at Thursday’s arraignment, Travassos pled not guilty in Fall River District Court and was released on personal recognizance with his next court date scheduled for August.
Information on the other two men weren’t immediately available.
