Swansea man accused of inappropriate relationship with minor to be arraigned in Fall River Superior Court

SWANSEA — A suspect was supposed to be arraigned Friday in Fall River Superior Court on numerous child sexual assault charges, however, it was pushed back.

According to Swansea Police Chief Mark Foley, 47-year-old Shayne Michael Hetherson of Swansea has been indicted 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.

Hetherson, who is already in custody following an earlier dangerousness hearing, was indicted by a Bristol County grand jury on Thursday, Feb. 19th.

According to court records, Hetherson’s arraignment on Friday was postponed to March 12th as he wasn’t transported to court due to snow.