Police have arrested a 53-year-old man suspected of sexually assaulting a Las Cruces teenager, and investigators believe there may be additional victims in New Mexico and possibly in three west Texas cities.
Carlos Ovalle, 53, of the 100 block of east Madrid Avenue, was arrested by Las Cruces police on Sept. 11 and faces one count of criminal sexual penetration of a minor and one count of criminal sexual contact of a minor. Both counts are fourth-degree felonies.
Las Cruces police investigators learned of the allegations against Ovalle on Saturday, Sept. 11, when Ovalle’s girlfriend caught him sexually assaulting a 15-year-old boy who is known to the family. Investigators interviewed the 15-year-old and determined that Ovalle began sexually assaulting him when he was only 6 years old.
Investigators have already identified two additional victims in Las Cruces. Additional charges against Ovalle are pending.
Investigators learned that, over the last several years, Ovalle has either lived or spent time visiting relatives in three west Texas cities: Odessa, Midland and Big Spring. Investigators have reason to believe Ovalle may have victimized children or teenagers in those cities, as well.
Anyone who believes they are a victim, or knows of someone who may be a victim, is asked to call Las Cruces police at (575) 526-0795.
Ovalle is currently being held at the Dona Ana County Detention Center.