MULBERRY, FL — In a disturbing case out of Mulberry, a 24-year-old illegal immigrant from Honduras has been arrested after allegedly breaking into a 77-year-old woman’s home and sexually attacking her early Saturday morning.
Sheriff Grady Judd shared the horrific details of the incident during his Monday morning briefing, saying the 77-year-old victim was awakened around 4 a.m. Saturday, August 29, after hearing a noise inside her home. According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, an unknown man entered her bedroom, forcibly removed her clothing and sexually battered her. When she attempted to get away, the suspect allegedly slapped her.
The Sheriff said the woman tried to escape through the front door after the suspect went into the bathroom, but he chased her, dragged her back inside and choked her. The suspect eventually fled, and the victim called the Sheriff’s Office.
During a neighborhood canvass, PCSO detectives went to a nearby residence and spoke with two occupants while a third man was taking a shower. When detectives made contact with the third occupant, they noticed he matched the description provided by the victim.
Investigators identified the man as 24-year-old Axel Antonio Espinal Herrera of Honduras. Detectives also located clothing inside the residence that matched the victim’s description.
PCSO obtained a search warrant to collect swabs and photographs from Espinal Herrera. Investigators said they found multiple scratches on his body that were consistent with the victim’s account. Deputies also reported finding cocaine in his possession. The victim later identified Espinal Herrera in a photo lineup, according to PCSO.
Espinal Herrera was arrested and booked into the Sheriff’s Processing Center. PCSO said that because he is in the United States illegally, his charges received a one-degree enhancement. He faces charges of kidnapping, sexual battery by force, burglary with battery, tampering with evidence, possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and loitering/prowling. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement was contacted, and an immigration detainer was placed on Espinal Herrera.
PCSO said two other men living with Espinal Herrera were also determined to be from Honduras and in the United States illegally. Both were taken into custody on ICE holds.
SOURCE: POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
