A California man who allegedly impregnated his 14-year-old daughter was arrested in Mexico after being wanted in connection with the death of their newborn, authorities said.
Mexican authorities confirmed they rescued the teenage girl, according to a Monday, October 5, news release from the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, which said the FBI was also involved in rescue efforts.
“During the rescue operation, Sergio Galvez Perez was arrested after he was found in possession of narcotics,” Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto said in a statement. “Mexican authorities are aware of the pending charges against him in Monterey County for crimes committed against [his daughter]. [She] is safe and is currently in the care of local authorities in Mexico.”
Perez’s arrest comes after the sheriff’s office revealed the body of a newborn was found along the side of Struve Road in Monterey County on August 1.
Investigators learned Perez’s daughter allegedly gave birth to the baby girl on the road, put the infant on the ground and left. Authorities believe Perez was the father of the newborn, referred to as “Baby Angelita.”
The baby’s death set off a search for both the 14-year-old and Perez, who was accused of hiding his daughter from law enforcement.
Arrest warrants charging the teen with murder and Perez with multiple felonies in connection with the baby’s death were issued, per the sheriff’s office.
Nieto said during an August 31 news conference that the infant’s life “was tragically taken.”
The sheriff also acknowledged the teen is “a victim because of the sexual abuse by her own father.”
The Monterey County District Attorney’s Office said they hadn’t decided whether to charge the 14-year-old after arrest warrants were issued, according to CBS News.
The district attorney’s office said on September 2, “We recognize that the 14-year-old is a victim of her father’s abuse. No child should ever have to endure such horrific circumstances.”
Perez is charged with incest, lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14, lewd acts with a minor, unlawful sexual intercourse, child concealment and child endangerment, according to authorities.
The 14-year-old’s mother, Ofelia Garcia Ortega, was previously arrested on a child endangerment charge in connection with the investigation into the baby’s death.
She was released from jail after posting bail, according to the sheriff’s office.
It was not immediately clear whether Perez or Ortega, 36, had retained legal counsel.
The sheriff’s office said a news conference will be held to discuss additional details on the 14-year-old’s rescue and Perez’s arrest in Mexico.
“This remains an active investigation. No additional information will be released at this time,” the agency said.
If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
