Billerica man accused of raping a child will remain behind bars

LOWELL — A Billerica man accused of raping a girl, after allegedly forcing the victim to perform sexual acts over several years, beginning when she was 6 years old, will remain behind bars until his trial in June.

José Figueroa, 46, faces a sentence of up to life in prison for the alleged crime, marking the second time he has been accused of raping a child. The previous accusation ended with a conviction more than two decades ago.

News of Figueroa’s previous conviction was revealed when he appeared in Middlesex Superior Court on Tuesday for a 58A dangerousness hearing. During the hearing, Judge Kenneth Salinger agreed with the prosecution’s argument that Figueroa represents a threat to both the victim and the community and therefore should remain behind bars while he awaits his trial, scheduled to begin. with the formation of the jury on June 23.

In support of his argument, Middlesex Deputy District Attorney Marissa Milero informed Salinger that Figueroa, who has been incarcerated since his arrest in MarchHe had called the victim and sent her letters from behind bars, pressuring her to recant her accusations.

An attempt by Figueroa’s attorney, Keith Durden, to secure his release under certain conditions was unsuccessful.

A heavily redacted Billerica police incident report states that school staff called authorities on March 21 after a student disclosed being sexually abused by Figueroa. That same day, the alleged victim was interviewed by members of the Billerica Police, the state Department of Children and Families, the Victim and Witness Advocacy Program and the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.

During the interview, the alleged victim stated that the last incident of sexual abuse occurred a few days earlier. She claimed Figueroa would “reward” her with marijuana after the abuse.

In another interview, the alleged victim said Figueroa had previously approached another woman, offering her marijuana in exchange for sex. The alleged victim said the woman told her she had rejected the proposal, but added that she “wasn’t sure if she was telling the truth,” according to the police report.

An arrest warrant was issued for Figueroa, who was arrested by Billerica police on March 22. On April 18, it was revealed in Lowell District Court that Figueroa had been accused by a grand jury.

Court records show Figueroa was previously convicted in Essex Superior Court of rape of a child and sentenced to three years behind bars. The crime occurred in Lawrence when Figueroa was 21 years old and the victim was 14.

For the latter charge, Figueroa’s trial is expected to last three to four days. A final pretrial conference is scheduled in Middlesex Superior Court on June 11.

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