The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday announced that they’d arrested 70-year-old Jose Valerio-Rodriguez, a suspected human trafficker accused of holding a minor. Valerio-Rodriguez is a Cuban national said to be living here illegally, and the process has begun to initiate his deportation from the United States.
According to a report on the investigation by the FCSO, the agency was contacted on February 17th by a 16-year-old girl who had been reported missing. The girl had fortunately made it home by then, and told law enforcement that she was with a homeless man in his tent behind a gas station in Palm Coast. She said that there’d been a sexual incident while she was with him.
The FCSO assigned the matter to its Major Case Unit, where Detective First Class Kathryn Gordon is credited with having led the investigation. The victim was interviewed and the FCSO brought in the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) and First Coast Child Protection Team.
Investigators managed to pinpoint Valerio-Rodriguez as their suspect, and determined that he has reportedly been living behind the gas station in his tent and frequently patronizing it. Detective Gordon and Sergeant Frank Gamarra obtained search warrants and made contact with Valerio-Rodriguez on March 3rd, the FCSO says.
Valerio-Rodriguez was arrested and charged with human trafficking and unlawful sexual activity with certain minors. He was booked into the county jail without bond. Upon realizing Valerio-Rodriguez is a Cuban national without apparent legal immigration status, the FCSO contacted the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and were told there was probable cause for his deportation. An immigration detainer was issued, and a detention deputy with experience in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) served the detainer. DHS will be taking custody of Valerio-Rodriguez and he is set to be deported following the conclusion of his prosecution in the local judicial system.
“This predator was living in the country illegally and took advantage of a child,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “He has earned himself not only a trip to the [county jail], but also a flight out of our country. The Sheriffs of the State of Florida stand united against criminal aliens. We pray the child victim receives the help she will need from this attack.”
Wow there are all types of criminals coming to Palm Coast. So much for a quit little town. But glad they caught him and hopefully he’ll go away for a long time.