Plant City, FL — On Monday, August 4, 2025, Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested 29-year-old Porfirio Cruz, an undocumented immigrant from Mexico, following an investigation into an unlawful sexual relationship with a 16-year-old girl.
The arrest comes after the girl delivered a stillborn infant at a local hospital, with Cruz identified as the biological father. The investigation revealed that Cruz had been in a relationship with the minor for approximately one to two years, communicating regularly via text messages and phone calls on his personal cellphone.
According to authorities, Cruz would arrange meetings, picking the girl up from her residence without her parents’ knowledge and transporting her to his home to engage in illegal sexual activity. The victim’s parents, interviewed by detectives, stated they were unaware of the relationship. Cruz admitted to the ongoing sexual relationship and to coordinating meetings using his phone.
He also confessed to deleting text messages between himself and the minor after learning of law enforcement’s involvement. He reported their most recent encounter occurred one week prior to the stillbirth.
While the sexual offenses took place in Hillsborough County, Cruz’s communication, solicitation, and transportation of the minor occurred within Polk County, establishing jurisdiction for multiple felony charges.
Cruz faces charges of traveling to meet a minor after using a computer or electronic device to solicit a minor (first-degree felony), unlawful use of a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony (second-degree felony), and contributing to the dependency of a child (third-degree felony).
Additionally, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has placed a hold on Cruz, who is currently detained in the Polk County Jail, due to his undocumented status, which upgrades his charges by one degree.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to gather evidence. Nothing further at this time.
*Sheriff’s Office Contact: Polk County Sheriff’s Office, (863) 298-6200*
Source: Polk County Sheriff’s Office & Arrest Affidavit
