A Leesburg man is behind bars this week after police say he sexually assaulted a child younger than 13, capping a fast-moving investigation that began with a report on Monday and led to an arrest by midweek.
Leesburg police said they opened an investigation after receiving the report on Monday, then took a suspect into custody on Wednesday. Officers identified the man as 32-year-old Jose Edwin Ruano Navas and charged him with aggravated sexual battery of a child under 13. He is now in custody awaiting prosecution.
According to DC News Now, Navas was arrested Wednesday by the Leesburg Police Department and is being held at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center. The outlet reports that the county sheriff's office maintains information on the detention facility and visitor policies through its public site. Loudoun County Sheriff's Office
Investigators are still working the case and say they want to hear from anyone who might have additional information. The Leesburg Police Department asked anyone with tips to call 703-771-4500 or email [email protected]. That contact information, along with other ways to reach detectives, is listed on the department's public contact page. Town of Leesburg
What the Charge Means
Under Virginia law, aggravated sexual battery is a felony. The offense is punishable by between one and 20 years in a state correctional facility, plus a fine that can reach up to $100,000. The charge is set out in Va. Code § 18.2-67.3. Virginia Code
Next Steps
The case will now head to the Loudoun County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office, which handles felony prosecutions in the county. Prosecutors will review the evidence, determine the formal charges and set court dates.
According to county officials, prosecutors and detectives are asking anyone who has video or other potential evidence to contact investigators so they can present the most complete case possible to the court. Loudoun County
Local Context
The arrest lands at a time when Loudoun County prosecutors have been pushing for long prison terms in child sex cases. Earlier this month, a Leesburg man was sentenced to 25 years in prison after convictions for aggravated sexual battery and related charges, county officials said. Loudoun County Sheriff's Office
