Suspect accused of sexually assaulting woman after drinking beer in parking lot of Abilene church

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – A suspect accused of sexually assaulting a woman after drinking beer with her in the parking lot of an Abilene church has been indicted.

Valente Erik Cano was indicted on one count of Aggravated Sexual Assault Thursday in connection to the allegations.

Court documents state a victim was contacted at Hendrick Medical Center after she reported a rape in July 2024.

This victim told police that she was walking down the street when she was approached by a man, later identified as Cano, who offered to buy beer in drink it with her, according to the documents

After Cano purchased the beer from a nearby store, the documents state they went to the parking lot of a church, and when the victim tried to leave at 45 minutes, Cano allegedly forced her down, raped her, and stole her phone and money.

Surveillance video showed Cano buying the beer and officials with the church confirmed they found the beer in their parking lot.

The documents also state the victim provided DNA evidence that was a strong match for Cano.

Cano now remains held in the Taylor County Jail on bonds totaling $60,000.