– 82-year-old man arrested for felony sexual assault towards a minor
– Arrested man threatened to kill family.
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PUTNAM COUNTY, Fla. — Gilberto del Castillo Espana, an 82-year-old man from Georgetown, was apprehended on Tuesday for allegedly committing capital felony sexual assault on a victim under the age of 12. Espana also faces charges of resisting an officer without violence.
The arrest was made following a report filed by the parents of the victim back in May, expressing concerns about possible child abuse by Espana. The father initially hesitated to involve law enforcement due to their undocumented status. However, as the child’s behavior changed alarmingly, coupled with recurring nightmares, the parents decided to reach out to deputies.
According to the father’s testimony, the child revealed that Espana had subjected them to inappropriate touching near the groin area and had made threats of violence. The victim also disclosed incidents of rape and subsequent threats from Espana.
The child further informed investigators that Espana had warned of harming family members if the incident was ever disclosed. Based on this information, a warrant was issued for Espana’s arrest, leading deputies to locate and apprehend him at his residence in Georgetown. During the arrest, Espana reportedly resisted authorities. He is currently being held without bond at the Putnam County Jail.
Del Castillo Espana was previously employed by the Putnam County School District as an ESOL coordinator from 2002 to 2015. Prior to that, he worked in adult education, providing classes for migrant workers starting in 1998.
Sheriff H.D. ‘Gator’ DeLoach expressed his admiration for the child’s bravery in coming forward despite the threats to their family and concerns about their immigration status. He assured the community of the Sheriff’s Office’s commitment to protecting victims of crimes, emphasizing that no child should endure such a horrific crime and fear speaking out. Sheriff DeLoach urged anyone else who may have been preyed upon by Del Castillo Espana due to his position of power and influence over vulnerable individuals to come forward.
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office believes there may be additional victims due to Espana’s involvement in the community and wants to assure victims and their families that they are available to provide support.
If you are a victim or possess information about any other victims, the PCSO urges you to contact Detective Maria Marman at (386)-326-0488, and Detective Rafael Correa at (386)-326-7010 for Spanish speakers.
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