The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office has apprehended a man on multiple charges of statutory rape of a child, as reported by WBTV. The suspect, Yonathan Misael Paz Molina, 22, of Lincolnton, stands accused of seven felony counts following an investigation that led to his arrest on Tuesday. Originally from Honduras, Paz Molina is currently being held at the Harven A. Crouse Detention Center without bond.
Upon his arrest, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement was notified and proceeded to place an immigration detainer on Paz Molina, indicating his possible status as a foreign national, as detailed by the Lincoln County detectives and relayed by QC News. Possessing an immigration detainer, Paz Molina's alleged involvement in the sexual offenses casts a tough reflection on the interplay of state and federal jurisdictions when crimes involve non-citizens. The victim, a 15-year-old girl, was residing with Paz Molina at the time of the alleged offenses.
Further information shared by WCNC clarifies that the relationship between the accused and the minor was nonfamilial. The ongoing investigation into the matter revealed that the juvenile, not originally from North Carolina, has since been placed in the custody of Lincoln County DSS pending future placement.
This case continues to develop, and law enforcement officials have kept the details forthcoming. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office has not provided additional comments about the ongoing investigation.
