RED SPRINGS, NC – On Friday, police arrested Marcelo Barahona-Ruiz, 37, after responding to a domestic disturbance in progress in the 500 block of North Main Street. The dispute began when the mother of an 11-year-old girl confronted the suspect over his having sexual contact with her daughter, to which he admitted, according to detectives.
The Robesonian reported:
Red Springs Chief of Police Brent Adkins called the incident “tragic and horrifying” for the victim and her family.
“No person, especially a child should ever have to go through this,” Adkins said in a statement. “I am thankful that she is recovering at her home currently. I know that she has a long road ahead of her with emotional and physical healing and we will be working closely with the victim and her family to make sure that they get the help they need such as counseling, therapy, etc.”
Barahona-Ruiz was charged with first-degree statutory rape, first-degree statutory sexual offense and indecent liberties with a child. He is currently being held at the Robeson County Detention Center on $500,000 secured bond.
More charges will likely be filed in this case, according to police.
