ENGLEWOOD, FL — A 44-year-old man is facing life-sentence felony charges and an immigration hold following a violent sexual assault involving a 17-year-old girl. Melchor Hernandez Alcaraz was arrested after a 911 call early Sunday morning led detectives to a scene in the 900 block of South Broadway.
Alcaraz has been charged with Kidnapping, Aggravated Sexual Battery on a Minor, and Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor by providing alcoholic beverages.
The Incident and Investigation
The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call at approximately 3:30 a.m. on May 3, 2026, regarding a sexual assault with injuries. The Major Crimes Unit took over the investigation and determined that Alcaraz provided alcohol to the minor victim before forcibly sexually assaulting her.
During an interview with detectives, Alcaraz reportedly provided a full confession to the allegations.
Immigration Status and ICE Detainer
Sheriff Bill Prummell confirmed that Alcaraz is in the United States illegally. Following his booking at the Charlotte County Jail, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) placed a detainer on him.
Sheriff Prummell expressed sharp criticism of the suspect’s presence and actions in a public statement:
“I am running out of ways to say how disgusting sex crimes are, especially when there is a child involved. To make it even worse, this individual is in the US illegally… for now, anyway. This should not have happened, and my heart goes out to the young lady and her family.”
Potential Penalties
Under Florida law, Aggravated Sexual Battery and Kidnapping are both classified as first-degree felonies punishable by life. Due to the nature of the charges and the ICE detainer, Alcaraz is expected to remain in custody through the duration of his legal proceedings.