Texas Man Arraigned for 2013 New Bedford Sexual Assaults Held Without Bail

Orlando Robles, a 51-year-old man from Texas and former Dartmouth resident, was arraigned in Fall River Superior Court on multiple charges including kidnapping, two counts of rape, and several counts of assault and battery related to violent sexual assaults on four women in New Bedford during June and July of 2013. Prosecutors allege Robles attacked the women in isolated locations and near their homes, using force such as choking, punching, and threatening to prevent their escape. Robles was initially questioned by police in 2013 but fled Massachusetts for Texas the following day. He was later convicted in Texas for four other violent sexual assaults committed shortly after leaving Massachusetts and served a 20-year sentence there. After completing his sentence and parole, Robles was returned to Massachusetts to face charges following a cold case investigation by the Bristol County District Attorney's office. He is being held without bail and is scheduled for a pretrial conference in September 2025.