Authorities in Lee County, Florida, have arrested a 38-year-old individual identified as Uriel Santiago Perez following allegations of sexual assault against a minor. The incident reportedly occurred on October 6 in North Fort Myers during a showing of a home listed for sale. Perez, identified by federal law enforcement sources as a Mexican national unlawfully present in the United States, was taken into custody after the alleged assault was reported to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
"To say I am repulsed by the acts of this disgusting individual is an understatement." Carmine Marceno, Lee County Sheriff
According to investigators, the homeowner had advertised his property for sale and included his telephone number in the listing. Santiago Perez subsequently contacted the homeowner and arranged a visit to inspect the residence. During the property tour, the homeowner and his teenage son were guiding the prospective buyer through the home. The alleged assault reportedly took place when the father briefly stepped outside for a cigarette. Authorities state that Santiago Perez isolated the teenager inside a bathroom, allegedly exposed artificial breasts, and sexually assaulted the child.
The victim promptly reported the incident to law enforcement, prompting deputies to respond to the residence. By the time officers arrived, Santiago Perez had already departed the property. However, investigators received information that the suspect had instructed the teenager to meet at a specific location near the end of the road. Deputies were able to locate Santiago Perez at this specified location and proceed with an arrest. The suspect faces one count of sexual battery involving a victim between the ages of 12 and 18, according to official statements.
Following the arrest, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office booked Santiago Perez, who is currently being held at the Lee County Jail. Sheriff Carmine Marceno publicly addressed the allegations, stating, “To say I am repulsed by the acts of this disgusting individual is an understatement.” The investigation was conducted by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, which identified the suspect through information provided by the victim and the homeowner.
Federal law enforcement sources provided additional details, indicating that Santiago Perez has a criminal history spanning more than a decade. Records show a 2013 conviction for prostitution in Georgia. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials previously encountered Santiago Perez following an arrest in Gwinnett County, Georgia, in 2015. However, federal sources informed Fox News that immigration authorities did not take Santiago Perez into custody at that time. This decision was attributed to an Obama administration enforcement policy issued in 2014, which established specific immigration enforcement priorities that influenced which individuals were targeted for federal detention and removal.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the date or circumstances of Santiago Perez’s initial entry into the United States. Following the recent arrest in Florida, ICE lodged an immigration detainer against the suspect. An immigration detainer is a request made by federal immigration authorities to local law enforcement agencies. It asks that local authorities notify federal officials before releasing an individual and maintain custody for a limited additional period to allow ICE to assume custody.
The criminal allegations against Santiago Perez have not yet been established by a conviction, and authorities have not announced a trial date or released further details regarding the suspect’s pending immigration proceedings. The case continues to be investigated by the Lee County Sheriff's Office.
