Jesus Alberto Pereira Castillo, a 20-year-old migrant from Venezuela, has been arrested in Colorado after being accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl.
Castillo, who had been living in the family’s basement, allegedly attacked the teenager in late August before fleeing, according to law enforcement and Homeland Security sources.
The alleged assault took place on August 29, 2023. Castillo, who had recently entered the United States illegally, was staying with the victim’s family when the attack occurred.
Authorities report that he forced himself on the girl, prompting her family to contact law enforcement. By the time deputies from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office arrived, Castillo had fled the scene.
After nearly three months of evading capture, investigators located Castillo in Denver. He was arrested on November 14 and is now in custody at the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
Castillo illegally crossed the U.S.-Mexico border in September 2023 through El Paso, Texas. He was initially detained by Border Patrol but was released due to overcrowded facilities. Although he told officials he planned to travel to Orlando, he eventually made his way to Colorado.
In addition to the current allegations, Castillo had a prior arrest in May on charges of forgery and larceny, according to sources.
After the alleged assault in August, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) placed a detainer on Castillo, enabling local authorities to hold him for potential deportation proceedings following his arrest.
This case comes amid growing concerns about illegal immigration and its impact on communities in Colorado. The state has experienced a rise in immigration-related challenges, including criminal activity linked to organized groups like the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang.
This gang has been implicated in violent crimes across the nation and has reportedly established a presence in Aurora, a city near Denver.
Join our Telegram group for 24/7 breaking news.
