COLD CASE SOLVED WITH PERSISTENCE & DNA: Centerville man charged with forcefully raping child…
The following is the actual BPD media statement:
On 7/1/2012 approximately 12:15 PM, Barnstable Police Patrol Officers and Detectives were dispatched to Hamblin’s Pond in Marstons Mills for a reported sexual assault/rape of a 13 year old girl.
The on-scene investigation revealed that the 13 year old girl was leaving the bath house at the pond when she was approached by a masked man. The suspect was armed with a knife and told the victim that he would kill her if she attempted to run or screamed.
The armed suspect subsequently forced the victim back into the bath house, held her against the wall, and sexually assaulted her.
Following the assault, the suspect fled the area.
The victim and a witness provided investigators with a description of the suspect.
BPD Detective Valerie Hemmila conducted an extensive follow up investigation. During that investigation, John Dias (age 23 of Centerville) was identified as a potential suspect involved in the assault.
DNA recovered from the victim was sent to the Massachusetts State Police Crime Lab for testing along with a DNA sample from Dias.
On 12/16/16, DNA Testing Report came back confirming that the DNA recovered from the victim belonged to Dias.
On 01/16/17, Detective Hemmila along with members of the Barnstable Street Crime Unit set up surveillance on the residence of John Dias.
At approximately 1400 hrs, John Dias was seen exiting his residence at which time he was arrested. Dias was transported to the BPD and charged with the following charges:
1) Aggravated Rape of a Child with Force
2) Assault w/Intent to Rape a Child
3) Assault with a Dangerous Weapon
4) Indecent A&B on a Child
5) Intimidation of a Witness
John Dias is being held without bail pending his arraignment on January 17, 2017 in Barnstable First District Court.
[Booking photo and media statement Det. Sergeant John York of the Barnstable Police Department]
