A 35-year-old man accused of sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl is facing deportation, one week after he was arrested in Marion County.
On Thursday, February 6, Danhlelo Sanchez-Jose was arrested by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office on the following charges: human trafficking of a minor, lewd or lascivious molestation, and lewd or lascivious exhibition.
The charges stem from an incident involving Sanchez-Jose and the 14-year-old female victim, which allegedly occurred a week earlier in Marion County.
On Thursday, January 30, a Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a home in Ocklawaha after the teen victim advised that a man, later identified as Sanchez-Jose, had sexually abused her, according to MCSO.
The victim stated that she was walking near her neighborhood when Sanchez-Jose approached her in his vehicle, a red 2015 GMC Canyon. He then allegedly pulled his vehicle over near an intersection and asked the victim if she needed a ride.
The arrest report stated that the victim spoke with Sanchez-Jose through the driver’s door window. During their conversation, Sanchez-Jose allegedly exposed himself to the victim and began masturbating in front of her.
Sanchez-Jose then allegedly asked the victim to “get inside the truck.” She told law enforcement that she proceeded to enter the vehicle “out of fear.”
Once inside the truck, Sanchez-Jose allegedly molested the victim, and he prevented her from leaving the vehicle. According to the victim’s statement, the sexual abuse continued until Sanchez-Jose ejaculated.
Sanchez-Jose then allegedly gave the victim $40 in cash and told her to return to the same location, at the same time, the following day. The victim stated that she ran home and told a relative about the incident, and law enforcement was contacted.
MCSO detectives responded to the incident location on Friday, January 31, and observed Sanchez-Jose’s vehicle in the area. However, they were unable to make contact with him.
An ensuing investigation revealed that Sanchez-Jose’s vehicle was “in the area multiple times between January 30 and February 6,” according to the sheriff’s office.
In an effort to nab Sanchez-Jose, an undercover operation was conducted, and a detective went to the incident location while wearing similar clothes to the victim in this case. Sanchez-Jose allegedly returned to the area and offered a ride to the undercover detective.
Sanchez-Jose was placed under arrest, and he was transported to MCSO headquarters for further questioning. After being read his Miranda rights, Sanchez-Jose stated that he works as a janitor, adding that he frequently drives in the area where the incident occurred.
During the post-Miranda interview, Sanchez-Jose claimed that when he offered a ride to the undercover detective at the incident location, it was his “first time” offering a ride to strangers in the area. He further claimed that he did not know the victim.
The interview came to an end when Sanchez-Jose refused to answer any further questions without an attorney present, and he was transported to Marion County Jail.
“Further investigation revealed that Sanchez-Jose is in the United States illegally,” said MCSO in an update on Thursday, February 13.
Sanchez-Jose is currently being held at Marion County Jail on a detainer for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. According to MCSO, Sanchez-Jose will continue to be held at the facility “until his local criminal charges are faced.”
On Tuesday, March 11, Sanchez-Jose is scheduled to appear in court at 9 a.m., according to jail records.
“My office will always be relentless in pursuing criminals,” said Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods. “We work hand-in-hand with ICE and all of our law enforcement partners. If you come to Marion County with the intent to victimize my citizens, I will put you in my jail. If you are here illegally and committing these crimes, expect to be deported.”
Detectives believe that Sanchez-Jose may have additional victims. If anyone has any information regarding this case, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office asks that you call Detective Ryan Paxton at 352-368-3545.