Jul. 9—A Guatemalan national living in Athens has been charged with first-degree rape involving a child under the age of 10, and a federal immigration detainer has been placed on him by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office.
The Sheriff’s Office said they received reports Thursday from the Department of Human Resources and the Limestone Child Advocacy Center about the rape and identified 29-year-old Juan Castro Hernandez as a suspect.
“Witnesses informed investigators that Hernandez had been in possession of firearms and had pointed weapons at individuals, including children,” the Sheriff’s Office said.
The Sheriff’s Office’s Criminal Investigation Division and SWAT team responded to the 21000 block of Piney Chapel Road and located Hernandez outside a residence. He attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended by deputies, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Hernandez is scheduled to appear in Limestone County District Court on Thursday for an Aniah’s Law hearing to determine whether or not he will be granted bond.
Court records show Hernandez was previously arrested in 2022 for DUI and possession of methamphetamine. On Dec. 7, 2022, he pleaded guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia, a misdemeanor, and was sentenced to 120 days of suspended confinement and one year of probation. He was also ordered to complete 20 hours of community service and participate in the court referral program.
— wesley.tomlinson@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2442.