POLK COUNTY, Fla. – A 32-year-old illegal immigrant from Guatemala has been arrested and charged with sexual battery by a custodial figure and child abuse in Polk County.
Alvaro Alfaro Jimenez was taken into custody on February 24, 2025, in Mulberry and is facing enhanced felony charges due to his illegal status in the United States, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO).
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd stated, “This is the first case so far in our county, and maybe even the state, where we are able to increase the severity and penalty of felonies committed by a suspect who is in our country illegally. Not only is he here illegally, his crimes are the worst of the worst – he has been sexually abusing a girl for several years, since she was just 12 years old. This brave young victim reached out for help, and we will make sure she receives all the resources available to be able to recover from this terrible abuse.”
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The victim contacted the PCSO for assistance, reporting that Jimenez had brought her to the United States illegally in 2019, initially taking her to Michigan and South Carolina. Her mother remained in Guatemala.
Since 2023, Jimenez allegedly kept the victim enslaved inside a home in Mulberry, preventing her from attending school and repeatedly sexually abusing her for approximately three years, beginning when she was 12 years old.
The victim was taken to a local hospital for examination and treatment for abdominal pain. The Florida Department of Children and Families has taken custody of the victim and is providing care.
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Jimenez has been booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with four felonies, including sexual battery by a custodial figure, negligent child abuse, child abuse causing great harm, and incest. He is being held in the Polk County Jail on no bond.
Pursuant to Florida State Statute 775.0848, the criminal charges against Jimenez have been upgraded one degree due to his illegal entry into the United States and Florida. According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Jimenez unlawfully entered the United States in 2019.
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