PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — An undocumented man faced a Palm Beach County judge Sunday morning in connection to a sexual assault of a teenager earlier this month.
Detectives say a 13-year-old girl was sexually assaulted near Okeeheelee Park in Palm Beach County on Jan. 2. At the time, the suspect was described as a Hispanic man between 30 and 40 years old who did not speak English.
DNA technology was used to confirm the suspect's identity as Santo Martinez Varela, according to police.
Martinez Varela was arrested Jan. 11 and is facing charges of kidnapping and sexual assault and is being held without bond.
Through their investigation, detectives found Martinez Varela, who's originally from Honduras, illegally entered the United States through the Mexican border in 2023.
Detectives said Monday they believe there may be additional victims in the case.
He also now faces charges in an attempted purse snatching on Dec. 26 near Dudley Drive E and Cresthaven Boulevard. The sheriff's office said he was re-arrested for robbery with a firearm and kidnapping during the commission of a felony.
Anyone who recognizes Martinez Varela or may have had any encounters with him is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-458-TIPS (8477) or Detective Viviana Skuza at SkuzaV@pbso.org or 561-688-4004.
