A Guatemalan man, 38-year-old Luis Lopez-Martinez, was taken into custody by Limestone County sheriff’s deputies on Sunday after a 911 caller reported that he was “caught in the act of abusing a child less than 12 years old.” The victim’s family allegedly witnessed the abuse and detained Lopez-Martinez until law enforcement arrived.
According to authorities, Lopez-Martinez confessed to sexually abusing the child during an interview with an investigator and said “it is what it is.” He is currently being held in jail with a bond set at $250,000.
As an illegal immigrant, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has placed a detainer on Lopez-Martinez, which means that he will not be released from custody even if he posts bail. The Sheriff’s office has stated that the investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be pending.
The sheriff’s office credited Deputy Bradley Fontenot and Investigator Kandace Wilson for their efforts in investigating the case and seeking justice for the child. Sheriff Joshua McLaughlin praised the efforts, saying, “Their efforts reinforce our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community and ensuring that justice is served.”
