New Bedford Man Sentenced for Assault Outside Elementary School

NEW BEDFORD — A New Bedford man has been sentenced to serve two years in state prison after assaulting his girlfriend while picking up a child outside DeValles School in 2021.

Brahden Hill, 27, pleaded guilty last Thursday to domestic assault and battery, strangulation, and other charges, the Bristol County District Attorney's Office stated.

The victim did not cooperate with prosecutors, but witness testimony from school officials who sheltered her after the assault helped build the case, according to the office.

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Hill has previously been convicted for larceny and drug dealing, according to the D.A.'s office.

He also admitted to witness intimidation, trying to "suborn" perjury — or trying to get someone to lie under oath — as well as contempt of court charges in this case.

Prosecutors said the victim ran into the school on June 15, 2021 with scratches and marks on her arms, head and neck, telling officials she was in fear for her life.

She told the school officials that her boyfriend had slammed her head against their car window, slapped and choked her while they were parked outside the elementary school.

According to the officials, the victim also said that she felt dizzy and disoriented.

Hill called the victim while he was in jail — despite a no contact order from the judge — and tried to get her to commit perjury and lie about the incident in court, the D.A.'s office stated.

He will be placed on supervised probation for two years after his release from prison, and was ordered to complete a program for domestic abusers within the year.

"I am pleased that the defendant was held accountable for his violent assault against the victim and his attempt to get her to not cooperate with our office," Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn said.

"This type of behavior cannot be tolerated," he added.