WASHINGTON (KWTX) – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced the arrest of a Mexican national charged with sexual assault of a 14-year-old autistic girl on New Year’s Eve.
Enrique Bautista Vasquez was arrested by Cathedral City Police Department following an investigation into the alleged attack. He faces charges of lewd or lascivious acts with a minor and rape.
According to DHS, Vasquez allegedly encountered the victim while she was walking, lured her behind a business center and then into his apartment where the assault occurred. A medical examination supported the sexual assault allegation, officials said. Police also found blood on bedsheets and a pair of the girl’s boots in his closet.
Vasquez was encountered by Border Patrol on Dec. 16, 2024, after illegally entering the United States at an unknown time or location, according to DHS. He received a final order of removal the same day and was removed from the country.