BROCKTON— An illegal immigrant with a troubling history has been sentenced to seven years in state prison for raping a 14-year-old girl on multiple occasions back in 2020. Erickson Barbosa, 32, a citizen of Cape Verde, was also sentenced to an additional five years of probation to follow his prison term, according to the Bristol County District Attorney’s office.

Barbosa’s harrowing crimes began when he approached the victim in a Taunton park in February 2020, asking for her Snapchat information while accompanied by her 16-year-old sister. Just two months later, he picked up the girl in his vehicle at around 4 a.m., where he allegedly raped her after questioning her claim of being 16 years old. Despite the victim's age and the claims of consent, shocking evidence was uncovered that painted a very different picture.

Prosecutors revealed that Barbosa provided marijuana to the victim during these encounters, and they exchanged numerous Snapchat messages. Disturbingly, screenshots of their conversations showed the victim’s clear statements of non-consent and indications of a physical struggle during the assaults. Authorities reported they even found calls made by Barbosa from jail, during which he admitted to having sex with the victim.

In a dramatic twist, Barbosa fled to Florida in October 2024 as the case was underway but was soon apprehended by U.S. Marshals and extradited back to Massachusetts. Compounding the issue, he was living in the country illegally and now faces the grim possibility of deportation following his prison stint.

Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn III emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “The defendant, who was not legally in this country, raped the 14-year-old victim and needs to be kept off the street.” The community now grapples with the aftermath of this disturbing case, as the legal system seeks to ensure justice is served.