Illegal immigrant charged with sexually assaulting two minors, deputies say

Posted: 08/26/2011
By: Kristal Roberts



SARASOTA, Fla. - A 37-year-old illegal alien already under investigation was arrested for allegedly molesting 5-year-old and 10-year-old girls, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office said.

Authorities say that they were looking into Aggravated Assault charges filed against Yoni Merida-Errera of Nokomis on Wednesday, when they were told of the sexual abuse against the minors that had been occurring over the past few months.

On Thursday, the two minors had forensic interviews with the Child Protection Center. Detectives then questioned the suspect.

Merida-Errera has been charged with three counts of Sexual Battery, one count of Lewd or Lascivious Molestation and one count of Lewd or Lascivious Conduct.

He is currently being held in the Sarasota County Jail without bond, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has placed a detainer on him due to his illegal status.

www.abcactionnews.com