International gang member arrested in 2005 sexual assault

By Angela Carella
Assistant City Editor
Article Launched: 05/14/2008 01:00:00 AM EDT


STAMFORD - A member of the international gang MS13 wanted in a 2005 sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl was arrested Monday night, Stamford police said.

Detectives and uniformed officers found Adolpho Alexander Cruz Rodas, 25, in an apartment on Stephen Street on the West Side, where relatives live, Capt. Richard Conklin said.

Officer Miriam Delgado received information that Rodas had returned to Stamford from El Salvador, where he fled after the Oct. 21, 2005, sexual assault, Conklin said.

On that day, police received a complaint from the teenage girl that Rodas assaulted her after the two met in a West Side Laundromat and she went with him to his apartment, Conklin said.

"An investigation began immediately and an arrest warrant was obtained," Conklin said. "The suspect fled shortly after and the warrant remained on file in Stamford."

At about 6:30 p.m. Monday, police went to the house at 31 Stephen St. and arrested Rodas, Conklin said.

"His body is adorned liberally with MS13 tattoos," Conklin said.

MS13 is prevalent in South America and "making a big move into the United States," he said. Gang members are involved in human trafficking, drugs, car theft, violence and other illegal activities, he said.

"They have a presence in Stamford, not a large presence, but we see some graffiti," Conklin said. "We are starting to see them more."

Rodas was charged with two counts of second-degree sexual assault and risk of injury to a minor. His bond was set at $250,000, Conklin said.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency was notified, he said.

"They placed a detainer on him so he can't make any bond at this point," Conklin said.

Rodas was assigned a May 27 court date.

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