WINTER HAVEN -- Polk deputies say they've rescued a teenager who was brought here by an illegal immigrant from Guatemala who's suspected of enslaving and sexually abusing her.
Sheriff Grady Judd says 32-year-old Alvaro Alfaro Jimenez, living in Mulberry, brought the girl illegally to the U.S. in 2019. He allegedly kept her out of school and began sexually assaulting her when she was 12 years old. The victim called 911 and deputies rescued her. She's now in DCF protective custody. Deputies arrested Jimenez Monday.
Judd says detectives are taking advantage of a new state law that allows prosecutors to upgrade charges when they involve individuals who are in the country unlawfully. Jimenez could receive a life sentence if convicted.
The sheriff says "it's a new day, a new president, and new laws will hold (illegal immigrants) responsible for their felonious misconduct."
"We're over illegal immigrants in this country victimizing people in this country."
Judd's advice to those illegal immigrants who are committing crimes in Polk County: "Go southbound and down."
Photo: Polk Sheriff's Office