Guatemalan man accused of sexually abusing Alabama child in US illegally
A Guatemalan man in the United States illegally was arrested Sunday after police in north Alabama allegedly sexually assaulted a child.
Luis Lopez-Martinez, 38, was arrested by Limestone County sheriff’s deputies after the 911 caller was arrested for “abuse of a child under the age of 12,” the sheriff’s office said Tuesday.
The victim’s family witnessed the incident and detained Lopez-Martinez until law enforcement arrived, LCSO said. He was then arrested by Limestone County Deputy Bradley Fontenot.
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Luis Lopez-Martinez, 38, was arrested and taken into custody on Sunday after he was arrested for sexually assaulting a child under the age of 12 in Limestone County, Alabama. (Limestone County Sheriff’s Office/Facebook)
Lopez-Martinez was initially identified by another name, but authorities later confirmed his true identity.
The victim, who was only identified as under 12 years old, was immediately taken to a local hospital for treatment and care.
Lopez-Martinez, who was arrested, said in an interview with a detective that he had sexually assaulted the child and said, “That’s it,” the sheriff’s office said.
He is being held on $250,000 bond.
The Limestone County Sheriff’s Office took Luis Lopez-Martinez into custody on Jan. 19 after the victim’s family arrested him for allegedly sexually assaulting a child. (Limestone County Sheriff’s Office/Facebook)
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Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has placed a detainer on him that prevents him from returning to the community despite posting bail.
“When a law enforcement agency holds a detainer, they notify ICE before releasing a potentially dangerous citizen. ICE federal law enforcement officers hold the citizen in a secure location at the facility,” ICE said on its website explaining detainers.
Luis Lopez-Martinez, 38, is being held in an immigration detainer by ICE after he is believed to have sexually abused a child under the age of 12. (Brian Cox/US Immigration and Customs Enforcement via Getty Images)
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The sheriff’s office said the investigation is ongoing and more charges are possible.
“I want to thank Deputy Fontenot and Detective (Candace) Wilson for their dedication and tireless efforts to seek justice for this innocent child,” said LCSO Sheriff Joshua McLaughlin. “Their efforts strengthen our commitment to protect the most vulnerable members of our community and ensure justice is served.”