Man Suspected of Sexually Assaulting Young Girl
Las Cruces police have arrested a man suspected of sexually assaulting a young girl several years ago.
Manuel L. Olivas, 55, of the 500 block of south San Pedro Street, is charged with four first-degree felony counts of criminal sexual penetration of a minor and two second-degree felony counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor.
Police learned of the allegations in February and arranged for the girl to undergo a forensic interview at La Pinon Sexual Assault Recovery Services. Following the interview, investigators determined the incidents occurred seven to eight years ago when the victim, who was five or six years old at the time, would spend weekends at Olivas’ house.
The victim told investigators that she did not disclose the allegations sooner because Olivas threatened to harm her mother if she told anyone.
Investigators obtained a warrant for the arrest of Olivas. He was taken into custody on Monday morning and booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center. Olivas is initially being held without bond.
