Two individuals have been charged with crimes related to targeting children for sex, according to the Portsmouth Police Department.
One individual has been charged with a crime related to the procurement of sexual conduct for free with an adult.
These investigations stemmed from a joint investigation by the Portsmouth Police Detective Division and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
According to a press release from the Portsmouth Police Department, on July 19th, 2024, members of the Portsmouth Police Detective Division arrested two defendants following an undercover operation aimed at identifying those utilizing websites and online platforms to meet and engage with minors for sexual activity.
“It is alleged that the defendants traveled to a location in Portsmouth to engage in sexual activity with a minor. A third individual was arrested during the undercover operation after attempting to engage in commercial sexual activity with an adult,” Portsmouth Police Department shares.
As a result of the operation, Portsmouth Police says that the following individuals were charged;
Dante M. Arruda, 61, of Fall River, Massachusetts, is charged with one count of Patronizing a Minor for Commercial Activity and one count of Indecent Solicitation of A Minor.
Lee Berry, 41, of Delray Beach, Florida, is charged with one count of Patronizing a Minor for Commercial Sexual Activity and one count of Indecent Solicitation of a Minor.
Damon Teixeira, 31, of Fall River, Massachusetts, is charged with one count of Procurement of Sexual Conduct for a Fee-1st Offense.
According to Portsmouth Police, Arruda and Berry were arraigned by a Justice of the Peace and are scheduled to appear in Newport County District Court on Thursday, July 25, for their formal arraignments. Teixeira was processed and released with a District Court Summons to appear in Newport County District Court on August 1 for his formal arraignments.
The investigation was conducted by the Portsmouth Police Detective Division, HSI New England Field Office for Rhode Island, and assisted by the Warwick Police Department.
