LOWELL — A Billerica man accused of raping a child after allegedly forcing the victim to perform sexual acts over several years, starting when she was 6, will remain behind bars until his trial in June.

Jose Figueroa, 46, faces up to life in prison for the alleged murder, the second time he has been accused of raping a child. The previous charge ended in a conviction more than two decades ago.

News of Figueroa’s prior conviction was revealed when he appeared in Middlesex Superior Court on Tuesday for a 58A dangerousness hearing. During the hearing, Judge Kenneth Salinger agreed with the prosecution’s argument that Figueroa is a threat to both the victim and the community and should therefore remain behind bars pending his trial, which is scheduled to begin with in jury duty on June 23.

In support of her argument, Assistant Middlesex District Attorney Marissa Milero informed Salinger that Figueroa, who has been incarcerated since his arrest in Marchhe called the victim and sent her letters from behind bars, pressuring her to withdraw her accusations.

An attempt by Figueroa’s attorney, Keith Durden, to secure his release from custody under certain conditions was unsuccessful.

A Billerica police incident report states that school staff called authorities on March 21 after a student disclosed being sexually abused by Figueroa. That same day, the alleged victim was interviewed by members of Billerica Police, the state Department of Children and Families, the Victim and Witness Advocacy Program and the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.

During the interview, the alleged victim stated that the last incident of sexual abuse took place a few days before. She claimed Figueroa would “reward” her with marijuana after the abuse.

In another interview, the alleged victim said Figueroa had previously approached another woman, offering her marijuana in exchange for sex. The alleged victim said the woman told him she declined the proposal, but added that she “wasn’t sure she was telling the truth,” according to the police report.

A warrant was issued for Figueroa, who was arrested by Billerica police on March 22. On April 18, it was revealed in Lowell District Court that Figueroa had been indicted by a grand jury.

Court records show Figueroa was previously convicted in Essex Superior Court of rape of a child and was sentenced to three years behind bars. The crime took place in Lawrence, when Figueroa was 21 and the victim was 14.

For the latest charge, Figueroa’s trial is expected to last three to four days. A final pretrial conference is scheduled for June 11 in Middlesex Superior Court.

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