Illegal immigrant sought in rape of 15-year-old girl

Skyler Swisher:

Maury County deputies and federal agents are looking for an illegal immigrant who is accused of raping a 15-year-old girl less than six hours after being released from jail.

Authorities detained at least 13 suspected illegal immigrants Tuesday during a search for the suspect, Juan Villa, 24, at American Mobile Village in Columbia. The victim’s father filed a complaint with the department, prompting the search.

Villa has been in the Maury County Jail 11 times since 2001 on charges of assault, public intoxication, driving without a license and contempt of court. He was released at 9:44 p.m. Friday on $1,000 bond. Officials said the rape allegedly happened shortly after midnight at a residence in Maury County not belonging to the victim or suspect.

Sheriff Enoch George said local law enforcement contacted Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents before the rape allegedly occurred about deportation but were told the matter would be dealt with at a later date.

“It is very frustrating,” George said. “I don’t know what the statistics are, but these illegals are committing many, many crimes against the citizens of the United States. We try to follow up as best as we can with the manpower that we have.”

Detective Jerry Williams said Villa knew the 15-year-old but the two were not close friends. Villa may be attempting to leave the country, he said.

“I sure would like to get him off the street,” Williams said.

A 13-year-old girl also told deputies during the investigation Tuesday she was raped by Villa, George said. Officials declined to release further details, saying the matter remained under investigation.

Federal agency not told of rape suspect's status, officials say