Two Guatemalan nationals—including victim's father—charged with sexual abuse of 7-year-old girl in Florida

A Palm Beach County, FL grand jury has indicted two Guatemalan nationals, Josue D. Mendez-Sales, 26, and Pablo N. Cobon-Mendez, 23, on multiple counts of sexual battery on a child under 12. The 7-year-old victim is the daughter of Mendez-Sales.  

State Attorney Alexcia Cox announced that the charges stem from a West Palm Beach Police Department investigation triggered by a 7-year-old victim’s courageous disclosure of abuse to trusted adults. Mendez-Sales, the victim's father, and his friend, Cobon-Mendez are both originally from Guatemala. 

“The investigation revealed that the child’s father, 26-year-old Josue David Mendez-Sales, and his roommate, 23-year-old Pablo Neftaly Cobon-Mendez, repeatedly sexually battered a child under the age of 12,” police said in a press release. 

Both suspects were arrested on August 14, 2025, and are being held without bond at the Palm Beach County Jail. Each faces two counts of sexual battery on a person less than 12 years of age, a capital offense under Florida’s recently amended laws. 

Police reports detail a harrowing pattern of near-daily sexual assaults and physical abuse, including beatings with a belt.

West Palm Beach Police Chief Araujo confirmed that both suspects voluntarily confessed after their arrests. State Attorney Cox condemned the alleged crimes, stating, “These allegations represent the most serious and disturbing violations of a child’s safety and trust. Their actions warrant punishment to the fullest extent of the law. Our children are precious, and those who prey on them will be met with the full weight of the law.” Cox praised the swift response of law enforcement and vowed that her office’s Special Victims Unit would pursue the harshest penalties possible.

According to WPEC, the case has drawn significant attention due to Florida’s updated legal framework, which now permits the death penalty for sexual battery on a child under 12. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, reacting to the reports on X, called the crimes “horrific” and expressed his expectation that the State Attorney’s Office for the 15th Judicial Circuit would seek the death penalty.

Cox’s office emphasized a zero-tolerance stance on such crimes, with the prosecution moving swiftly to ensure justice. “Heinous and cruel crimes like sexual battery on our children will never be tolerated in our community,” Cox reiterated.

The case will be prosecuted by the State Attorney’s Special Victims Unit.