Auburndale Police say a routine hit-and-run call at a local Walmart led to the discovery of a much more serious crime involving a 15-year-old victim and a 26-year-old man who had traveled across the country to meet the minor.
According to the department, officers were called to the Walmart at 2120 Highway 92 West on November 29, 2025, just before 10 in the morning. When officers arrived, a bystander pointed out the vehicle believed to be involved in the hit-and-run. Officers approached the driver, identified as Jesus Moisesbravo Beltran, and notified him why they were making contact. While speaking with Beltran, officers saw a juvenile in the passenger seat.
During the investigation, the juvenile’s mother arrived at the scene and took possession of her child’s phone. Police say that as she looked through recent messages, she found a text conversation between the juvenile and Beltran. Detectives report the messages included explicit language along with sexual photos and videos that Beltran had sent.
Investigators later confirmed the phone number in the messages belonged to Beltran. The juvenile also told detectives that Beltran had provided alcohol during a recent encounter. According to police, the juvenile said they blacked out and woke up with their shorts removed, with Beltran positioned in a sexually inappropriate manner. Detectives say the investigation also revealed Beltran had traveled from Umatilla, Oregon to Auburndale, a distance of roughly 2,900 miles, to meet the victim. Beltran is a United States citizen.
Beltran was arrested by Auburndale Police detectives and taken to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Processing Center. He was initially charged with:
- Transmission of material harmful to minors by electronic device
- Unlawful use of a two-way communication device
- Lewd and lascivious molestation
- Traveling to meet a minor
- Interference with child custody
All but the last charge are felonies.
On December 4, 2025, detectives received additional information after a forensic interview with the juvenile victim. Police say the victim reported that Beltran gave them alcohol to the point of intoxication and weakness, then removed their clothing and attempted to force sexual intercourse. The victim told investigators they tried to push Beltran away, but he held their arms down.
Based on the statements from the forensic interview, detectives filed additional charges. Beltran, who remains in the Polk County Jail without bond, now also faces:
- Lewd and lascivious battery, a first-degree felony
- Contributing to the delinquency of a minor, a first-degree misdemeanor
The case remains under active investigation.
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