An undocumented immigrant with an extensive criminal history was arrested days after his release from prison after he tried to kidnap and rape a stranger he had captured on a popular trail in Virginia, police said.
In a press conference Monday night, the Herndon Police Department announced that Dennis Humberto Naveretto Romero, 31, was charged with kidnapping with intent to defile and rape a stranger he grabbed on the street.
“Let me start by saying that I am incredibly saddened and outraged that a crime like this could occur right here in the town of Herndon,” said Herndon Police Chief Maggie DeBord. .
“In the 12-plus years I've been chief of police, this is the only unknown rape that has occurred in this town,” DeBord continued.
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An undocumented Honduran immigrant has been charged with raping a woman on a popular hiking trail outside Washington, D.C., days after being released on unrelated sex crime charges. (Herndon Police Department)
Romero, a Honduran national, has a record of sexual assault and lewd acts in the region dating back to 2022, DeBord said.
Sources told Fox News Digital that Romero is homeless and has been in and out of prison, but has never served any significant time. According to the person, several charges against him have been dropped by prosecutors to reduce the charges.
Romero's crimes have escalated from weapons and car theft to indecent assault and sexual assault, and now kidnapping and rape.
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A rapist is behind bars after authorities say he attacked a woman as she walked along a popular Virginia trail last week. (Herndon Police Department)
“This type of incident not only directly affects the victim, but especially when it occurs in a very public place that we consider safe and that is used by all residents and visitors on a daily basis. impacts our entire community.”
Just before 9 p.m. Monday, officers responded to a call on the W on D Trail about a woman who approached a passerby and asked for help, claiming she had been “raped,” DeBord said.
The victim told police that Romero brazenly grabbed her and pushed her to the ground, where he raped her.
Thankfully, the victim was able to fight off Romero and run away to get help. Police were able to locate Romero shortly after the attack.
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Composite image of illegal immigrants accused of serious crimes in the United States (Fox News/Law Enforcement Handout or Mugshot)
Upon further investigation, officers uncovered his criminal history and believe there may be more victims and additional witnesses to Monday night's crime.
“What's concerning is the number of times this person has been arrested and released. He continues to reoffend and last night, in a very public place in our city, his behavior escalated to rape,” DeBord said. said.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin also released a statement regarding the incident, furious that local authorities allowed Romero to return to the streets.
“My heart hurts for these victims and I am outraged that local Fairfax County authorities are recklessly releasing violent illegal immigrants who should have been prosecuted and deported. is a dereliction of the most basic duty to keep people safe,” Youngkin said in a post on X.
“Prioritizing violent illegal immigrants over the safety of Fairfax residents is unacceptable. Virginia is not a sanctuary state. With President Trump in office, political posturing will end and local governments will use ICE to protect Virginians.” will cooperate.”
Romero is currently in the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center and is being held without bail.
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If you have information about Monday's incident or believe you may be a victim, please contact the Herndon Police Department at (703) 435-6846.
“We want everyone in our community to know that you can feel safe in our city knowing that this individual was swiftly removed from our streets and remains in custody. And we will do everything we can to make sure he remains in custody,'' DeBord vowed.
Fox News Digital contacted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), but did not immediately receive a response.
