Image Credit: Limestone County Sheriff's Office 
A Guatemalan man is facing a slew of charges after allegedly raping a victim under the age of 10 and threatening children with a firearm in Alabama, authorities say.
The Limestone County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) announced the arrest of 29-year-old Juan Castro Hernandez.
On July 3, LCSO was alerted by the Limestone County Department of Human Resources (DHR) and Limestone Child Advocacy Center that a very young child had been raped.
LCSO deputies and a SWAT team dispatched to a residence on the outskirts of Athens where the suspect was located and took him into custody after he attempted to flee.
“Witnesses informed investigators that Hernandez had been in possession of firearms and had pointed weapons at individuals, including children,” LCSO explained in a press release.
“A search warrant was executed at the residence, and probable cause was established to arrest Hernandez for Rape in the 1st Degree.”
Hernandez was booked into Limestone County Jail and an Aniah’s Law hearing was scheduled to determine if he would be granted bond.
Additionally, ICE was alerted about the Guatemalan due questions about his immigration status, indicating he may in the U.S. illegally.
In 2022, Hernandez was arrested for DUI and possession of methamphetamine.
“I want to express my sincere gratitude to the exceptional teamwork displayed by our investigators, the Childrenâs Advocacy Center, and DHR. Their dedication, professionalism, and relentless pursuit of justice were instrumental in safeguarding the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Limestone County Sheriff Joshua McLaughlin.
An investigation is ongoing.
Authorities continue to catch dangerous foreign criminals in the U.S.
