(DailyChive.com) – A shocking arrest in Flagler County exposes a web of exploitation involving a 70-year-old Cuban national.
At a Glance
- Jose Valerio-Rodriguez charged with human trafficking and sexual abuse.
- Suspect lived in a makeshift camp behind a gas station.
- The victim, a missing teenager, accused him upon returning home.
- Homeland Security seeks to deport Valerio-Rodriguez after legal proceedings.
Arrest and Charges
Seventy-year-old Jose Valerio-Rodriguez, a Cuban national, was apprehended in Palm Coast, Florida, on charges of human trafficking and sexually abusing a minor. Valerio-Rodriguez, who has been living illegally in the United States, was found residing in a tent behind a Circle K gas station. The arrest came after a 16-year-old girl, who had been reported missing, returned home and informed authorities of the incidents.
Reports show that the girl had been visiting Valerio-Rodriguez since December 2024. During these visits, the victim reportedly engaged in activities such as smoking and drinking, allowing the suspect to kiss her in exchange for drugs. The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) promptly involved the Florida Department of Children and Families to secure a search warrant for the suspect’s tent and obtain DNA evidence.
Law Enforcement Response
The arrest has drawn the involvement of multiple agencies. The Department of Homeland Security has been contacted to request a detainer for Valerio-Rodriguez, aiming to secure his immediate deportation after prosecution. Valerio-Rodriguez is currently being held without bond at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility. Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly has strongly condemned the actions of Valerio-Rodriguez, highlighting the unity among Florida sheriffs against criminal elements.
“This predator was living in the country illegally and took advantage of a child,” Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said. “He has earned himself not only a trip to the [county jail], but also a flight out of our country. The Sheriffs of the State of Florida stand united against criminal aliens. We pray the child victim receives the help she will need from this attack.” – Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly
The meticulous investigation was spearheaded by Detective First Class Kathryn Gordon from the FCSO’s Major Case Unit. Her efforts, combined with the involvement of the Florida Department of Children and Families and the First Coast Child Protection Team, underscore law enforcement’s commitment to pursuing justice for the victim and sending a message to those who threaten public safety.
Broader Implications and Next Steps
Valerio-Rodriguez, facing charges of human trafficking and unlawful sexual activity, will soon face the local legal system. Once the judicial process is complete, he is slated for deportation, with Homeland Security issuing an official detainer. The case highlights the complex challenges associated with illegal immigration, emphasizing the urgent need for cohesive strategies to tackle such incidents and safeguard communities.
The community now watches closely as legal proceedings unfold, hoping for swift justice and support for the victim as she begins her road to recovery. This case serves as a stark reminder that vigilance and coordinated response are paramount in upholding the safety and values that define American society.
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