An illegal immigrant faces up to 60 years in jail if convicted on criminal sexual conduct charges involving a 14-year-old Waterford girl.
Jose Espinoza-Merino, 24, was found in a parked vehicle at Independence Oaks with the girl. According to officials with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, the two were discovered on Jan. 5 at 2:40 p.m. and both were in varying states of dress. Espinoza-Merino was arrested the next day following an investigation.
‘Deputies on routine patrol came across them in the park and something didn’t look right,? said Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard.
‘Cooperation between multiple agencies, including the victim’s school and all other involved individuals, resulted in the swift apprehension of a sexual predator being taken off the street. The fact that he is in our country illegally makes this case that much more offensive.?
According to a press release, Espinoza-Merino denied any wrong doing. A follow up investigation by the OCSO with the girl and her parents revealed that Espinoza-Merino and the minor had sex 6?7 times throughout the year. The investigation also revealed that Espinoza-Merino was an illegal alien. Immigration and customs officials were advised.
All four CSC counts stem from previous acts in Waterford Township.
Espinoza-Merino was arraigned Jan. 8 in 51st District Court on four counts of criminal sexual conduct, all 15-year felonies, according to officials with the sheriff’s office. He is being held on $100,000 cash bond.