Former Water Country USA Lifeguard Arrested on Rape and Child Sex Charges
Arruda, who had previously been arrested on charges of Carnal Knowledge of a Child (ages 13–14) and Indecent Liberties with a Child Under 15, was served new warrants this week for rape, strangulation, and assault, according to arrest warrant logs.
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UPDATE - NEW WARRANTS FILED JUNE 9, 2026
Defendant Profile
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Name: ARRUDA, DONALD JOHN; II (also listed as ARRUDA, DONALD J)
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Jurisdiction: Newport News Circuit Court & Newport News J&DR Court
Summary of Active Criminal Charges (Feb 2026)
The defendant is facing over 30 felony and misdemeanor charges related to an alleged crime spree spanning February 9 through February 25, 2026. Note that several charges from February 12 and 24 appear in both J&DR and Circuit Court records, representing the procedural transfer of these cases.
The charges fall into two primary categories:
1. Violent Sexual Assault & Physical Abuse
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Rape by Force: 3 separate incidents (Offense dates: Feb 12, Feb 15, Feb 24)
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Strangulation / Attempted Strangulation: 3 separate incidents (Offense dates: Feb 12, Feb 15, Feb 24)
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Statutory / Child Sex Crimes: Carnal Knowledge of a Child (13-14Y) and Indecent Liberties with a Child (<15) (Offense date: Feb 24)
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Assault & Battery: 1 incident (Offense date: Feb 24)
2. Child Exploitation & Pornography
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Production of Child Pornography (<15Y): 8 charges
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Proposing Sexual Communication to a Child (<15Y): 5 charges
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Copy/Transmit/Sell Child Pornography: 2 charges
Timeline of Alleged February 2026 Offenses
| Date | Alleged Offenses | Court Hearing |
| Feb 9 – Feb 11 | Proposing sexual communication (<15) and production of child pornography. | June 8, 2026 (Circuit) |
| Feb 12 | Rape by force, strangulation. | April 22, 2026 (J&DR) |
| Feb 15 – Feb 16 | Rape by force, attempted strangulation, production of child pornography. | Jun 8 / Jul 9, 2026 (Circuit) |
| Feb 20 – Feb 21 | Proposing sexual communication (<15). | June 8, 2026 (Circuit) |
| Feb 24 | Rape by force, attempted strangulation, carnal knowledge (13-14), indecent liberties (<15), assault & battery. | April 22 (J&DR) / July 9 (Circuit) |
| Feb 25 | Copying/transmitting/selling child pornography. | June 8, 2026 (Circuit) |
Upcoming Court Dates
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June 8, 2026: Newport News Circuit Court (Focus: All child pornography production, distribution, and sexual communication charges)
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July 9, 2026: Newport News Circuit Court (Focus: All violent felonies, including rape by force, strangulation, and physical assault)
Prior Record (Closed / Minor Infractions)
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June 2025: Speeding (54 in a 35 mph zone)
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November 2017: Speeding (52 in a 35 mph zone)
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May 2001: Excess Noise / Sound System
Newport News, VA — A former lifeguard at Water Country USA and the Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg is facing additional serious felony charges after authorities served new warrants while he was already being held in custody.
- CARNAL KNOW 13-14Y W/O FORCE
- INDECENT LIBERTIES W/CHILD <15
- STRANGULATION (2 COUNTS)
- RAPE: BY FORCE/THREAT (3 COUNTS)
- ASSAULT & BATTERY
The above crimes allegedly took place on 2/12/2026 and 2/24/2026.
Arruda was already being held without release on the earlier charges when the new allegations were formally filed.
Law enforcement has not yet released detailed information regarding the timeline of the alleged offenses or whether any of the incidents are connected to his prior employment. Authorities have also not disclosed whether further charges may be forthcoming.
Arruda remains in custody pending court proceedings. Donny Arruda of Newport News remains in custody at the jail and faces seveal years in prison if found guilty.
Anyone with additional information related to this case is encouraged to contact local law enforcement.
Donny Arruda Mug Shot Newport News Sheriff 3/1/2026
DONALD JOHN ARRUDA II
- Jun 15, 1997
- https://www.facebook.com/RonnyAdduda
