A 35-year-old New Castle man is behind bars after county detectives say he raped a child younger than 12 and carried out multiple unlawful sexual acts. Investigators allege the assault happened on Wednesday, and say officers tracked the suspect down the next day inside a vehicle at Powell Ford Park in the Kiamensi area of New Castle County.
Police Outline Disturbing Allegations
According to a news release from the New Castle County Division of Police, detectives identified Jose Martinez-Salinas as someone known to the victim. He is charged with four felony counts of first-degree unlawful sexual contact, one felony count of first-degree rape, one felony count of second-degree rape and one misdemeanor count of resisting arrest. Police say he was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution after failing to post $325,000 cash bail. The release notes that the investigation is still active as detectives continue to develop additional information.
Arrest At Powell Ford Park
Detectives with the Fugitive Apprehension and Surveillance Team found Martinez-Salinas inside a car at Powell Ford Park in the 1000 block of Kiamensi Road and took him into custody without incident, as reported by NBC10 Philadelphia. NBC10 reports that Martinez-Salinas is being held at the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution while the case moves through the courts. Officials have not released any additional details about the investigation or a possible motive, keeping the rest of the case close to the vest for now.
Investigative Context
The arrest comes on the heels of other recent child-sex investigations handled by county detectives. In late May, a proactive overnight patrol at Banning Park led to charges after officers encountered a 12-year-old victim, the department's news feed shows. That May 22 release says the earlier suspect was arraigned and also committed to the Howard R. Young facility after failing to post bail. County officials say the Criminal Investigations Unit and Victim Services are coordinating on both cases.
Help For Victims And Tips
Resources for victims of sexual assault are available through the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 800-656-4673, as noted by NBC10 Philadelphia. Anyone with information about Martinez-Salinas or the investigation is asked to contact Detective Armelys Taveras-Jerez at 302-395-2784 or by email at [email protected]. The county also urges anyone with video or other evidence to share it with investigators through the division's non-emergency channels.
