32-year-old Fresno man arrested on suspicion of sexual assault of 12-year-old girl
A 32-year-old Fresno man was arrested on rape and sexual assault charges involving a 12-year-old girl, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office said.
Carmelo Vasquez was booked into Fresno County Jail after a traffic stop late Monday night, but posted bail on a $195,000 bond and was released Tuesday night.
Deputies said the parents of the girl contacted the sheriff’s office to report their daughter missing. They told deputies she was home Sunday night, but when they woke up Monday morning she was gone.
The girl arrived back home shortly before 6 a.m. Monday. She told her parents she sneaked out around 1 a.m. and left with Vasquez, who had picked her up.
Deputies said Vasquez took her to his home and allegedly raped her.
Vasquez returned the girl to her home and drove away. The family called the sheriff’s office to report she was home and of the alleged crime.
Deputies said the girl and Vasquez met online about two months ago through Snapchat and Meet Me. The two met in person two weeks ago, deputies said.
Deputies said it’s a possibility that there are other victims and to contact detective Justin Williamson at 559-600-8216.
This story was originally published June 30, 2020 at 4:50 PM.
