A 38-year-old man, identified as Luis Lopez-Martinez, has been arrested after he was allegedly caught in the act of sexually abusing a child in Limestone County, Alabama, on January 19. Authorities say the child’s family detained Lopez-Martinez before deputies arrived on the scene.
The Limestone County Sheriff’s Office reported that the child was taken to a local hospital for medical attention.
During questioning, Lopez-Martinez allegedly confessed to the crime, stating nonchalantly, “It is what it is,” according to a statement from the sheriff’s office.
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Lopez-Martinez, originally identified as Mario Francisco Martin, was later confirmed to be from Guatemala. He is now facing charges of sexual abuse of a child under 12 years old.
Authorities say he is being held on a $250,000 bond. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has also placed a detainer on him due to his immigration status.
Sheriff Joshua McLaughlin expressed gratitude for the deputies’ work in this case, emphasizing the importance of protecting the community’s vulnerable members.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure justice for this child and others,” he said in the statement.
