Reno police: Man tries to claim attempted sex with child was consensual

July 2, 2010

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A 23-year-old suspected illegal immigrant voluntarily went to the Reno Police Department on Thursday to be questioned about allegations he beat and tried to rape a child relative, police said.

As they were arresting him following an interview, detectives found crystal methamphetamine and a drug pipe in his pocket, authorities said.

Leon Martinez-Pena, unemployed, was booked Thursday night into the Washoe County Jail on suspicion of attempted sexual assault of a child, open and gross lewdness, battery with intent to commit sexual assault, domestic violence, possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials also placed on a hold on him.

Authorities said the incident occurred about 7 a.m. Thursday in central Reno. Because the home did not have a working telephone, police said the girl waited for her mother to come home to report the alleged sexual abuse. The woman called police about 4 p.m., and officers contacted him for an interview at the police station. He was then arrested.

Detectives said Martinez-Pena claimed the sexual contact was consensual.

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