Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that two illegal immigrants from Guatemala could face the death penalty if convicted in the gang rape of a 7-year-old girl. The suspects, Josue David Mendez-Sales, 26, and Pablo Neftaly Cobon-Mendez, 23, were arrested for repeatedly sexually assaulting the child.
The arrests followed a July 30 report of abuse in West Palm Beach, Florida. Authorities acted after the girl confided in her babysitter about the assaults at the Sunset Apartment Complex.
Suspects and Charges
Mendez-Sales, the child’s father, faces five counts of sexual battery on a person under 12 and one count of child abuse.
Cobon-Mendez, his roommate, is charged with two counts of sexual battery on a person under 12.
Both men admitted to the repeated abuse during police interviews.
They were taken into custody without incident.
Investigation Details
The girl reported daily molestation by Cobon-Mendez.
She also described bruising from Mendez-Sales hitting her with a belt.
Mendez-Sales confessed to abusing the girl about five times over three months. He claimed intoxication and lack of memory during each incident.
The West Palm Beach Police Department worked with the Florida Department of Children and Families and Homeland Security Investigations.
The case remains active.
AG’s Statement
“These allegations are beyond horrific,” Uthmeier posted on X. “Anyone who can commit such heinous crimes must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
He added: “Based on these reports, I expect the State Attorney for the 15th Judicial Circuit to seek the death penalty.”
