An undocumented man was arraigned before a Palm Beach County judge yesterday morning in connection to a sexual assault case involving a 13-year-old girl. The incident allegedly took place near Okeeheelee Park in Palm Beach County earlier this month, as reported by WPTV. Authorities have charged Santo Martinez Varela, a man from Honduras, with kidnapping and sexual assault.
Described initially as a Hispanic male in his thirties or forties, and having limited English language ability, the suspect was detailed by detectives as having assaulted the young girl in an area close to Pinehurst Park and Forest Hill Boulevard. Law enforcement apprehended Santo Martinez Varela following detective work and a DNA search warrant that confirmed his identity as the suspect, according to information obtained by NBC Miami.
Police said Martinez Varela crossed the Mexican border illegally in 2023 and made his way to West Palm Beach without detection from Border Patrol or law enforcement officials. Following his arrest, he was taken to the Palm Beach County Jail, where he is being held without bond.
