A 19-year-old man has been arrested on charges of raping an 11-year-old girl, who subsequently gave birth to a boy, officials said. The suspect, identified as Raymundo Juan Reyes Cornelio, was taken into custody by Youth Services detectives and is being held in lieu of $75,000 bond at the Downtown Detention Center, according to a Nashville government press release.
During a police interview, Cornelio, who was arrested by the detectives after the girl gave birth on Valentine's Day, admitted to the sexual encounter that occurred when he was 18. Believing she was 14 at the time, Cornelio said, "I thought she was older." The investigation started when the girl, who is now 12, told detectives about their single sexual encounter in May of 2024. The details she provided led to the execution of a search warrant on Cornelio's Facebook account, which uncovered his name and telephone number. On March 1, before being apprehended, Cornelio was stopped for a window tint violation by Officer Kyle Casey and issued a misdemeanor citation for driving without a license, containing his Davidson County address.
The disturbing case surfaced as a result of the young victim's childbirth, prompting a thorough probe by authorities. The girl, whose identity is being protected, had recounted to detectives her contact with the man she met via Facebook. The lead to Cornelio's Facebook account solidified his connection to the crime, shedding light on the digital trail that predators leave behind in the exploitation of youth.
The victim is receiving care and assistance from specialized youth services while the case against Cornelio is moving forward. In a statement obtained by the Nashville government newsroom, Detective Chris Beery said that the defendant acknowledged the sexual act, though he misunderstood her age. His admission came during an interview conducted today, aligning with facts that have painted a grim picture of the incident that unfolded nearly a year ago.
