Child rape charges filed against man who reportedly left country during investigation

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Charges were filed and arrest warrant was issued for a man that allegedly raped a minor and then left the country.

An arrest warrant has been issued for a 28-year-old man that allegedly raped his 11-year-old stepsibling before leaving the United States voluntarily. He has been charged with four counts of rape and one count of aggravated sexual abuse of a child, all first-degree felonies.

According to court documents, the defendant was removed from the United States on October 9, 2023, due to his immigration status, before returning and living with the victim in 2024.

Then, after the crimes were reported, he voluntarily returned to his home country of Columbia and stated that he does not intend to return. Salt Lake City Police Department has issued an extraditable warrant for his arrest should the suspect return to the United States.

Due to the fact that the victim was a relative, ABC4 has chosen not to publicly name the suspect.

Case History

The 11-year-old victim reported to law enforcement that their stepbrother, who they identified as the defendant, had sexually abused them in December of 2024. They told law enforcement that the defendant called them into her bedroom before raping them.

Reportedly, the victim stated that their legs and genitals hurt “badly” and they began to cry during the assault. They also said that they pushed the defendant off of them and threatened to tell their mom, but the defendant told them they would get in trouble if they did.

The victim also told law enforcement that the defendant led them to his bedroom in early 2025 and raped them again. He also reportedly had removed the victim’s pants and told them to hug him, but they refused.

On another occasion in 2025, the defendant reportedly entered the victim’s bedroom and told them “he wanted to do it again.” He then removed their clothes and raped the victim again. The victim recalled that they told the defendant that it hurt and that they cried.

At one point, the victim was in their room, and it was locked and “blocked with shoes.” The defendant reportedly forced the door open, undressed the victim, and raped them again.

In August of 2025, the defendant admitted to law enforcement over text that there was sexual activity between himself and the victim over an extended period of time. He stated that it “was not forced” and the victim “assured him she would not pursue legal action.”.

He also told law enforcement that he had left the United States and does not plan to return.