Flagler County, Fla. – A 70-year-old undocumented migrant from Cuba is set to be deported after being sentenced for the sexual assault of a minor, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office. The case stems from an investigation involving a missing teenager and has drawn strong condemnation from local law enforcement.
Incident Overview
Authorities identified the suspect as Jose Valerio-Rodriguez, 70, a Cuban national who was in the United States illegally. Deputies said Valerio-Rodriguez had been living in a tent behind a gas station in Palm Coast at the time of the incident.
The investigation began after deputies made contact with a 16-year-old girl who had previously been reported missing. During the interview, the teen disclosed that she had been staying with Valerio-Rodriguez and that a sexual incident had occurred.
Timeline of Events
According to investigators, deputies spoke with the teen in February 2025 after she was located following a missing persons report. During questioning, the teen told officers she had been with a homeless man named Jose, living in a tent behind a gas station.
Investigators determined that the encounter involved unlawful sexual activity, prompting a criminal investigation. Valerio-Rodriguez was arrested less than a month later in connection with the incident.
Details From the Sheriff’s Office
In a release, deputies detailed how the teen described the events that led to the arrest.
“The juvenile female disclosed that she was with a homeless male named Jose in a tent behind a gas station in Palm Coast and that a sexual incident had occurred between them,” the release stated.
Officials said evidence collected during the investigation supported the charges that were later filed against Valerio-Rodriguez.
Charges and Sentencing
Valerio-Rodriguez ultimately pleaded guilty to unlawful sexual activity with a minor and two counts of lewd or lascivious touching of a minor. In exchange for the guilty pleas, one charge of child abuse was dropped by prosecutors.
On Wednesday, Valerio-Rodriguez was sentenced to six years in prison, followed by nine years of sex offender probation and mandatory sex offender registration. Sheriff’s officials said he will likely be 75 years old by the time he is deported after completing his sentence.
Law Enforcement Response
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly issued a strongly worded statement condemning the crime and the suspect’s actions.
“Valerio-Rodriguez is a disgusting pervert who coerced and sexually assaulted a teen through drugs and fear,” Staly said. “Valerio-Rodriguez came illegally into this country and later assaulted a teenager. Had he committed these crimes in his homeland of Cuba, he would have faced the death penalty and likely not given the rights he exercised in America.”
The sheriff emphasized the department’s commitment to holding offenders accountable, especially in cases involving minors.
Immigration Status and Deportation
Deputies confirmed that Valerio-Rodriguez was living in the country illegally at the time of the offense. Following his arrest, immigration authorities were notified, and a detainer was placed to ensure he will be transferred to federal custody once his prison sentence is completed.
Officials confirmed that Valerio-Rodriguez will be deported after serving his sentence and completing required legal proceedings.
Community Safety and Awareness
Law enforcement officials urge parents and guardians to remain vigilant about their children’s whereabouts and to report missing juveniles immediately. Authorities also stress the importance of community awareness when vulnerable individuals are involved.
Victim advocates note that sexual assault cases involving minors can have long-lasting impacts and encourage survivors and families to seek counseling and support services.
Conclusion
The sentencing and upcoming deportation of Jose Valerio-Rodriguez bring a measure of closure to a case that began with a missing teen and uncovered a serious crime. Officials say the outcome underscores the importance of swift investigations and strong prosecution in cases involving child victims.
Share your experiences in the comments below.
