Illegal migrants arrested for gang-raping seven year-old girl should face death penalty if convicted, AG says
Josue David Mendez-Sales, 26, and Pablo Neftaly Cobon-Mendez, 23, were arrested in West Palm Beach and charged with sexual battery on the seven-year-old child.
Attorney General James Uthmeier stated that he expects the State Attorney for the 15th Judicial Circuit to seek the death penalty for the two suspects, both from Guatemala.
In a post on X, Uthmeier said: 'These allegations are beyond horrific. Anyone who can commit such heinous crimes must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.'
If convicted, Mendez-Sales faces five mandatory life sentences and up to five additional years in prison, while Cobon-Mendez faces two mandatory life terms - with the death penalty also possible in both cases under Florida law.
The harrowing details first emerged on July 30 when the young girl bravely confided in her babysitter, reporting that she had been inappropriately touched by Mendez-Sales and Cobon-Mendez, both individuals she knew, while in the Sunset Apartment Complex.
The Department of Children and Families was immediately alerted, launching an initial investigation before bringing in law enforcement.
In a follow-up interview, the child provided a chilling account, revealing that Cobon-Mendez molested her 'every day.'
Evidence of physical abuse was also present, with visible bruising on the child's body, which she attributed to Mendez-Sales hitting her with a belt.
In interviews with investigators, Cobon-Mendez admitted to molesting the young girl about two weeks prior while under the influence of alcohol.
He now faces two counts of sexual battery on a child.
Mendez-Sales now faces five counts of sexual battery on a child and one count of child abuse.
According to police, Mendez-Sales admitted to sexually abusing the girl around five times over the past three months, claiming he was intoxicated during each incident and couldn't recall the details.
He also told investigators he had recently struck the child with a belt.
He and a second suspect are both being held without bond at the Palm Beach County jail.
West Palm Beach Police Chief Tony Araujo called the case 'heinous.'
The investigation is ongoing.
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