PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco announced the arrest of Yobany “Jose” Barahona, a 24-year-old illegal alien, in connection with the sexual battery of a nine-year-old girl.
Nocco emphasized the use of a newly enacted Florida law regarding illegal reentry into the country in this case.
According to Sheriff Nocco, the incident occurred on the evening of February 20, 2025. The victim’s father returned home to find Barahona allegedly engaged in a sexual act with his daughter, who was naked in bed. The father confronted Barahona, who reportedly apologized and fled the scene. The PSO was immediately notified, initiating what Nocco described as a “manhunt.”
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A 16-hour search ensued, involving a large deployment of law enforcement resources. Nocco stated that the “perimeter was closing down” on Barahona, and that he “had nowhere he was going to go.”
“It was a manhunt. There’s no political correctness. That’s what we did. We hunted his ass down, and that’s what we will do for suspects such as this,” said Nocco.
Barahona was eventually apprehended in Darby by deputies and admitted to the acts and to a previous similar incident with the same victim. He also reportedly admitted to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) that he was in the country illegally, having been previously deported and ordered removed by an immigration judge.
Nocco highlighted the cooperation between local law enforcement and federal agencies, including HSI and U.S. Border Patrol. He stated, “It’s a new day in the State of Florida. It’s a new day in the United States. Local law enforcement is able to work side by side with our federal Partners… We got so much power behind us right now. The gloves are off.”
Barahona is charged with two counts of capital sexual battery under Florida state law, relating to both the recent incident and the previous alleged assault. He is also being charged under a newly enacted Florida statute, 811.103, “Illegal Re-entry of an Adult Unauthorized Alien,” which is a third-degree felony.
Nocco stated, “We will be enforcing one of those laws [recently passed]…We were able to now charge this criminal with another crime and keep him off our streets.”
The Sheriff said additional, unspecified, federal charges are also pending.
Previous Report: Yobany “Jose” Barahona has been located and is in custody, according to the Pasco Sheriff’s Office.
This story will be updated as more details are released.
The Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) is requesting the public’s assistance in locating Yobany “Jose” Barahona, who is considered a person of interest in an active felony investigation. The PSO has not disclosed the nature of the investigation.
Barahona, 24, is described as a Hispanic male, approximately 5’6″ tall and weighing 140 pounds. He was last seen wearing a white hoodie, gray sweatpants, and black Crocs.
He was last seen in the evening hours of February 20, 2025, in the Decker Lane area of Darby.
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The Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information about Barahona’s whereabouts to contact them. The public can call the Pasco Sheriff’s Non-Emergency Line at 727-847-8102, option 7. Tips can also be submitted anonymously online at http://PascoSheriff.com/tips.
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