A foreign suspect sought by federal immigration authorities has been arrested for raping a 12-year-old girl he allegedly kidnapped in Florida and brought to South Carolina, according to reports.
On May 22, the Union County Sheriff’s Office (UCSO) located the missing child at an undisclosed location.
“Deputies stated that the girl had bruises along her neck and arm. The girl informed them (through an interpreter) that she was taken from Florida by a man who was at the time working in Georgia,” WSPA reports.
The next day, 22-year-old Jose Miguel Lagos reported to the sheriff’s office for questioning and told investigators he had met the victim on an app and allegedly thought she was 16 years old.
He reportedly claimed the bruises were hickies and admitted he had engaged in sexual intercourse with the child.
He claimed the girl had told him she was being abused in her home and he had brought her to South Carolina to be “living partners.”
“Lagos is charged with criminal sexual conduct with a minor. The warrant for that charge said he did know the girl was 12 years old,” WYFF reports.
He has also been charged with fugitive from justice and interference with custody in Plant City, FL.
Additionally, Lagos was wanted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, indicating he may in the country illegally.
Authorities continue to catch dangerous foreign criminals in the U.S.