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Content warning: This information includes descriptions of sexual abuse.
A couple of Cubans residing in Odessa, Texas is charged with multiple felonies after a police investigation revealed that they sexually assaulted their one-year-old daughter and sent a video of the assaults to a family member, according to authorities.
The accused, identified as Leiwin Lara Hernández, 23 years old, and Cleyret Pacheco Peraza, 22, both originally from Cuba, were arrested in early January for aggravated sexual assault of a child, possession of child pornography, and promotion of child pornography, all charges classified as felonies, reported the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in a statement.
Since their arrest on January 3, both suspects have remained detained at the Ector County Law Enforcement Center, with a detainer order from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and a combined bail of $180,000, specified by media outlets.
According to reports from the DPS published last month, on December 27, 2024, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children sent pornographic multimedia to the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) after receiving a tip from TikTok, reported the news portal Odessa American. A special agent from the DPS Criminal Investigation Division responded to the HSI's request for assistance.
Officials confirmed that the multimedia file in question contained sexually explicit material involving a one-year-old girl.
The joint investigation by the DPS, HSI, and the Odessa Police Department determined that the email associated with the TikTok account belonged to Pacheco Peraza.
According to the report, using the same email address, the agents found the woman's Facebook profile and identified her and Lara Hernández as suspects after seeing photos of both of them on that social network celebrating the baby's first birthday.
According to the arrest documents, when the special agents questioned Pacheco Peraza, she admitted to having performed oral sex on the girl about 50 times.
The woman also admitted to having recorded Lara Hernández while he sexually assaulted the minor in his former apartment located on Harless Avenue in Odessa, and that she had sent the video to her mother in Russia.
The multimedia file in the possession of the investigators shows Lara Hernández performing oral sex on the baby, the police report states.
The social media profiles of those detained indicate that both are from the province of Pinar del Río and arrived in the United States less than two years ago.
The statement from the Texas Department of Public Safety highlighted that, as a result of the investigation, the child victim of sexual assault was rescued.
The arrest of the Cubans was part of a series of around twenty arrests made in west Texas during January, in operations against human trafficking carried out by the DPS in collaboration with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cuban Couple Accused of Sexual Assault in Texas
Who are the Cubans accused in a sexual assault case in Texas?
The accused are Leiwin Lara Hernández and Cleyret Pacheco Peraza, a Cuban couple residing in Odessa, Texas. Both face multiple serious charges, including aggravated sexual assault of a child and possession of child pornography.
What actions did the authorities take after the detention of the Cuban couple?
After their arrest on January 3, both suspects remain incarcerated at the Ector County Law Enforcement Center, with a combined bail of $180,000 and a hold order from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
How was the case of sexual assault on the minor discovered?
The case came to light when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children sent a pornographic multimedia file to the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) after receiving a tip from TikTok, which led to an extensive joint investigation by multiple agencies.
What charges does the Cuban couple face in Texas?
Leiwin Lara Hernández and Cleyret Pacheco Peraza face charges of aggravated sexual assault of a child, possession of child pornography, and promotion of child pornography, all classified as felonies, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
What evidence do the authorities have against the accused?
The authorities have a multimedia archive that shows acts of sexual violence against the minor, in addition to Cleyret Pacheco Peraza's confession regarding his involvement in the events.
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