Marvin Perez Lopez, a 20-year-old Guatemalan native, was arrested in Florida for allegedly sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl in his van. The incident took place when he snatched the girl from outside her home in Lake Worth and forced her into his vehicle. The mother of the girl found Lopez attacking her daughter and attempted to stop him by banging on the windows and screaming for help. Lopez, who lived in the same building as the victim, fled the scene upon the mother’s intervention.
Law enforcement later tracked down Lopez at his home, but he managed to escape through a back window and into an alleyway. He was ultimately caught on Saturday and charged with kidnapping to sexually assault a minor, sexual assault of a victim under 12, and resisting an officer. Lopez had entered the US illegally in January after crossing the US-Mexico border and was released, eventually making his way to South Florida where the crime occurred.
Sheriff Ric Bradshaw expressed outrage over the incident, highlighting the danger of undocumented individuals committing crimes in the country. Despite being stopped by Border Patrol after illegally crossing the border and given an immigration court date in 2027, Lopez committed the heinous act in Florida. Sheriff Bradshaw emphasized that Lopez will face trial for his crimes in the US before any possibility of deportation.
Lopez is currently being held at the Palm Beach County jail without bond as he awaits trial for the serious charges brought against him. The sheriff condemned the federal government for allowing individuals like Lopez to enter the country illegally and victimize its residents. He stressed the importance of holding Lopez accountable for his actions within the US justice system before any consideration of deportation.
The case of Marvin Perez Lopez serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by undocumented individuals who engage in criminal activities. The incident involving the sexual assault of an 11-year-old girl in Florida has sparked outrage and calls for stricter immigration enforcement measures. Lopez’s arrest and subsequent legal proceedings shed light on the need for comprehensive immigration policies to address and prevent such crimes from occurring in the future.
As the trial progresses, the focus remains on ensuring that justice is served for the victim of the assault and holding Lopez accountable for his actions. The case highlights the complexities and challenges associated with illegal immigration and the importance of upholding the law to protect communities from individuals who pose a threat. Sheriff Bradshaw’s statements underscore the need for increased vigilance and enforcement efforts to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
