Illegal Alien Convicted of Raping 13-Year-Old in Florida
A Honduran illegal immigrant who entered the U.S. during the Biden administration was convicted of raping a 13-year-old girl in a Florida park in January.
A jury last week delivered guilty verdicts against Santo Martinez Varela, 36, on six criminal counts including four counts of sexual battery against the minor victim, one count of lewd or lascivious molestation, and one count of false imprisonment, according to Breitbart News.
The attack occurred on the evening of January 2, 2025, when the young victim was seated near a bicycle trail at Okeeheelee Park using her cellphone. Prosecutors say Varela approached the girl, violently threw her to the ground into nearby bushes, and proceeded to sexually assault her.
During the brutal attack, the victim fought back as Varela attempted to restrain her by tying her hands behind her back. Following the assault, Varela fled the scene but was tracked down and arrested by law enforcement within days.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement moved swiftly to lodge an immigration detainer against Varela one day after his arrest. An ICE spokesperson confirmed to WPBF 25 News that Santos Omar Martinez-Varela, an illegal criminal alien from Honduras, was arrested in Palm Beach County and that the detainer was formally placed on January 12, 2025.
The investigation has since expanded beyond the January rape case. Police have connected Varela to an armed robbery and kidnapping incident that took place in West Palm Beach during December 2024, as well as an additional robbery in January 2025.
Varela remains detained at Palm Beach County Jail awaiting sentencing, which is scheduled for later this month. The case has reignited concerns about criminal illegal aliens entering the country and committing violent crimes against American citizens.
With information from Breitbart News
