Illegal immigrant’s ‘over-the-top’ sexual assault on elderly woman sends sheriff into rage: ‘Out of control’
Polk County Sheriff Blames Illegal Immigrant for Overnight Sexual Assault of Elderly Homeowner
Polk County, Fla. – Sheriff Grady Judd took to the social‑media platform X on Sunday to denounce a violent crime that occurred on Saturday night in his jurisdiction. The incident involved a 24‑year‑old Honduran national, identified as Axel Antonio Espinal Herrera, who authorities say broke into a residence, forcibly removed a 77‑year‑old homeowner’s clothing, and sexually assaulted her at approximately 4 a.m.
The victim, who was awakened by a disturbance, recounted that the intruder entered her bedroom and began a “vicious sexual battery,” slapping her when she tried to flee. She attempted to escape through the front door, but the suspect followed her, dragged her back inside, and choked her before fleeing the scene. After the assault, the victim contacted the sheriff’s office.
Police canvassed the neighborhood and located Herrera in a nearby house that also housed two other undocumented Honduran immigrants. He was found in a shower and was wearing clothing that matched the victim’s description. Detectives recovered evidence that included scratches on Herrera’s body consistent with the victim’s account and a pair of cocaine‑laden gloves, confirming his possession of illegal drugs.
Herrera was arrested on a range of charges that include kidnapping, sexual battery by force, burglary, battery, tampering with evidence, possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, loitering, and prowling. Under Florida law, each of these offenses carries an additional penalty for non‑citizens, meaning the suspect faces the possibility of multiple life sentences if convicted.
“The suspect is a young man, 24 years of age, sexually battering a 77‑year‑old woman after he broke into her house in the middle of the night. Do I need to say more?” Sheriff Judd said in a statement posted on X. He added, “Sexual battery of an individual is without a doubt one of the most horrific crimes that occurs. And a violent, out‑of‑control sexual battery on a stranger even elevates that one more level. And then you take on top of that the suspect is in this country illegally, that pushes it over the top.”
The sheriff’s office informed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of the arrest, and the agency placed a detainer on Herrera. The two other undocumented immigrants found in the house were also taken into custody on ICE holds.
Polk County officials say they will pursue all charges to the fullest extent of the law and will keep the public updated as the case proceeds. The victim’s identity has been withheld to protect her privacy. The case is pending further investigation and prosecution.
