A veteran sheriff’s deputy from San Antonio, Texas, has been arrested after being accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting a four-year-old child and threatening the child’s mother so she would remain silent. Jose Nunez, 47, had been with the Bexar County Sheriff’s office for ten years prior to this arrest.
The alleged victim’s mother brought the child to the local fire department to report the alleged sexual assault on Saturday, after the child told her about the alleged abuse. Nunez was arrested while off duty the following day, after further investigation and questioning.
As reported by the Dallas Morning News, Nunez allegedly sexually assaulted the child multiple times and threatened the child’s undocumented mother with deportation if she reported it.
According to Sheriff Javier Salazar, prosecutors believe these sexual assaults took place over a period of several months, but it could potentially be longer, as reported by WJAC.
The sheriff’s office is in the process of completing paperwork to assure the victim’s mother has protected status during the criminal investigation that prevents deportation.
“The details of the case are quite frankly heartbreaking, disturbing, disgusting and infuriating all at the same time,” Sheriff Salazar said.
Nunez has been charged with super aggravated sexual assault of a child, as the child is under six years of age. The charge in Texas carries a minimum sentence of 25 years, in addition to a heavy fine and sex offender registration.
Officials believe there could potentially be more victims. Anyone with information about the case may contact the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office at 210-335-6070. The sheriff’s office is also currently conducting an internal investigation.
[Image via Bexar County Sheriff’s Office]
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