A Guatemalan man who was in the United States illegally was apprehended by authorities in north Alabama on Sunday for allegedly sexually abusing a child.
Luis Lopez-Martinez, 38, was taken into custody by Limestone County sheriff’s deputies following a report from a 911 caller who witnessed him abusing a child under the age of 12, the sheriff’s office confirmed on Tuesday.
The victim’s family reportedly saw the incident and detained Lopez-Martinez until law enforcement arrived, according to LCSO. He was then arrested by Limestone County Deputy Bradley Fontenot.
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Luis Lopez-Martinez, 38, was apprehended for allegedly sexually abusing a child under 12 in Limestone County, Alabama, as per local authorities. (Limestone County Sheriff’s Office/Facebook)
Lopez-Martinez was initially using a different name, but authorities later confirmed his true identity.
The victim, identified only as under 12 years old, was promptly taken to a local hospital for medical evaluation and care.
Lopez-Martinez was arrested after admitting to the abuse during an interview with an investigator and stating “it is what it is,” the sheriff’s office disclosed.
He is currently held in jail with a bond set at $250,000.
The Limestone County Sheriff’s Office arrested Luis Lopez-Martinez on Jan. 19 after the victim’s family allegedly caught him sexually abusing a child and held him. (Limestone County Sheriff’s Office / Facebook)
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Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has issued an immigration detainer for him to prevent his return to the community if he is released on bail.
“When a law enforcement agency upholds a detainer, they notify ICE before releasing a potentially dangerous noncitizen. ICE’s federal law enforcement officers then take custody of the noncitizen in a secure setting at the facility,” ICE explained on their website regarding detainers.
Luis Lopez-Martinez, 38, has an immigration detainer issued by ICE after confessing to sexually abusing a child under 12 years old. (Bryan Cox/U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement via Getty Images)
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The sheriff’s office mentioned that the investigation is ongoing, and additional charges are a possibility.
“I would like to thank Deputy Fontenot and Investigator [Kandace] Wilson for their dedication and relentless efforts in seeking justice for this innocent child,” LCSO Sheriff Joshua McLaughlin stated. “Their commitment reinforces our pledge to protect the most vulnerable members of our community and ensure that justice is served.”
