A 38-year-old “transgender” illegal immigrant from Mexico has been arrested in Florida after allegedly sexually assaulting a minor inside a bathroom during a home showing, according to authorities.
Uriel Santiago Perez was taken into custody following the October 6 incident in North Fort Myers, where investigators say the suspect arranged to tour a property listed for sale before allegedly targeting the homeowner’s teenage son.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office said the child’s father had recently advertised his home for sale and included his telephone number in the listing.
Santiago Perez subsequently contacted the homeowner and scheduled a visit to inspect the property.
During the showing, the homeowner and his son began walking the prospective buyer through the residence.
According to investigators, the alleged assault occurred when the father briefly stepped outside for a cigarette.
Authorities said Santiago Perez isolated the teenager inside a bathroom, allegedly exposed artificial breasts and sexually assaulted the child.
The victim reported the incident to law enforcement, prompting deputies to respond to the residence.
By the time officers arrived, Santiago Perez had already left the property.
However, investigators received information that the suspect had instructed the teenager to meet at a specific location near the end of the road.
Deputies subsequently located Santiago Perez at that location and made an arrest.
The suspect faces one count of sexual battery involving a victim between the ages of 12 and 18, according to authorities.
Additional information obtained by Fox News from federal law enforcement sources identified Santiago Perez as a Mexican national who is unlawfully present in the United States.
Federal sources also disclosed that Santiago Perez has a criminal history dating back more than a decade.
In 2013, the suspect was convicted of prostitution in Georgia, according to the report.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials previously encountered Santiago Perez following an arrest in Gwinnett County, Georgia, in 2015.
However, federal sources told Fox News that immigration authorities did not take Santiago Perez into custody at the time because of an Obama administration enforcement policy issued in 2014.
The policy established immigration enforcement priorities that affected which individuals were targeted for federal detention and removal.
Authorities have not disclosed when Santiago Perez initially entered the United States.
Following the Florida arrest, ICE lodged an immigration detainer against the suspect, who was being held at the Lee County Jail.
An immigration detainer requests that local authorities notify federal officials before releasing an individual and maintain custody for a limited additional period to allow ICE to assume custody, per the Post Millennial.
Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno publicly condemned the allegations following the arrest.
“To say I am repulsed by the acts of this disgusting individual is an understatement,” Marceno said.
The investigation was conducted by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, which identified the suspect through information provided by the victim and the homeowner.
Authorities have not announced a trial date or disclosed additional details concerning the suspect’s pending immigration proceedings.
Santiago Perez remains accused of the offense, and the criminal allegations have not been established by a conviction.
