A Guatemalan illegal immigrant who has been charged with kidnapping and sexually assaulting a child in the state of Florida was revealed to have been released into the US with a court date set for 2027.
According to Fox News, The Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office announced that Marvin Perez Lopez had been arrested on Saturday for kidnapping a minor under 13 and sexual assault. The outlet reported he is currently being held in county jail with no bond.
Detectives learned that Lopez arrived in the country in January. He turned himself in to Border Patrol, and authorities said he was given a court date for 2027 and released into the country.
Lopez has been accused of grabbing an 11-year-old by the hand and forcing her into his van, where he began assaulting her, according to CBS 12.
The child’s mother spotted the van when she went looking for her near their apartment building where both Lopez and the mother and daughter lived. She began banging on the door and shouting.
Sheriff’s deputies said that Lopez jumped out of the van and fled. The victim’s mother went to Lopez’s apartment after the incident where his brother was home. The brother called Lopez and told him to come home, with the mother waiting to confront him. When he arrived, Lopez pleaded for the mother’s forgiveness.
The victim told investigators that Lopez forced himself on her. She repeatedly resisted his advances and tried to leave the van, but Lopez pulled her back in.
Sherriff’s deputies arrived at the apartment on May 3 to speak with Lopez, and found Lopez climbing out a back window and fleeing down an alleyway.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed in a statement that Lopez was encountered by Border Patrol on January 19, issued a notice to appear, and released.
A spokesperson said that ICE ERO officers lodged a detainer on him following his arrest.