Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd has publicly condemned the arrest of Axel Antonio Espinal Herrera, a 24-year-old illegal immigrant from Honduras, over an alleged break-in sexual assault on a 77-year-old woman in Florida. The sheriff called it one of the most horrific crimes seen in the county in years and said it would not have happened had the suspect not been in the country illegally, vowing he would seek a life sentence upon conviction.

The attack allegedly took place around 4am on Saturday, when the victim woke to find an intruder in her bedroom who forcibly removed her clothing, sexually assaulted her, slapped her and choked her as she tried to flee. Detectives found Herrera nearby with scratches consistent with the victim's account and cocaine in his possession; he faces charges including kidnapping, sexual battery, burglary and drug possession, with each charge elevated under Florida law because of his immigration status. Two other Honduran nationals found with him were also detained on ICE holds, and a detainer has been placed on Herrera.