Illegal Immigrant Charged With Raping 77-Year-Old Florida Woman, Sheriff Says

Authorities in Polk County, Florida, have arrested a 24-year-old Honduran national accused of breaking into a 77-year-old woman’s home early Saturday morning and sexually assaulting her, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

The victim told deputies she woke up around 4 a.m. after hearing a noise inside her Mulberry residence. Axel Antonio Espinal Herrera allegedly entered her bedroom, forcibly removed her clothing, and sexually battered her. When she tried to flee, he slapped her, the sheriff’s office said.

According to the report, the naked victim attempted to escape through the front door while Herrera was in the bathroom, but he chased her, dragged her back inside, and choked her. He then fled the scene, and the woman called authorities.

Detectives canvassing the neighborhood located Herrera at a nearby home, where he was taking a shower. They identified him based on the victim’s description, and the victim later confirmed his identity through a photo lineup, according to the sheriff’s office.

Herrera was booked into the Polk County Jail on charges including kidnapping, sexual battery by force, burglary with battery, tampering with evidence, possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and loitering/prowling.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd did not mince words in a video statement. “Sexual battery of an individual is without a doubt one of the most horrific crimes that occurs. And a violent, out-of-control sexual battery on a stranger even elevates that one more level,” Judd said. “And then you take on top of that that the suspect is in this country illegally that pushes it over the top.”

Detectives noted that Herrera initially spoke with investigators but then refused to answer additional questions. They also observed multiple scratches on his body, which they said were consistent with the victim’s account of fighting back.

The sheriff’s office said Herrera, a Honduran national, was also found in possession of cocaine. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has lodged a detainer, requesting that Herrera be transferred to federal custody if he is released from local jail.

In a related development, authorities arrested two other Honduran men who lived with Herrera after determining they were also in the United States illegally. ICE lodged detainers for both housemates as well.

The case has reignited local and national debates over immigration enforcement, with Sheriff Judd emphasizing the illegal status of the suspect as an aggravating factor. However, the sheriff’s office has stressed that the investigation remains active and that all charges are allegations until proven in court.

The victim, who is recovering, was not identified by authorities. The investigation is ongoing.

Source: www.dailywire.com — https://www.dailywire.com/news/illegal-immigrant-accused-of-raping-elderly-florida-woman