BROOKSVILLE, Fla. – On Sunday, June 20, 2021, Hernando County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a residence within Hernando County to investigate allegations of a possible Sexual Battery.
Upon arrival, deputies conducted a preliminary investigation and concluded the case would need to be turned over to major case investigators.
“The likelihood a Sexual Battery did in fact occur was probable and in-depth investigation was required,” said HCSO in a statement.
Detective Lauren Johnson was assigned to the case.
During the preliminary investigation, deputies were provided with video evidence (along with the device that housed the video) of the crime. As per protocol, the evidence was preserved and collected.
On Monday, June 20, 2021, Detective Johnson executed a search warrant for the device that housed the video evidence.
Upon reviewing the data on the device, probable cause was established for the arrest of the suspect, identified as 41-year-old Eliseo Barrios Lopez.
Barrios Lopez, suspecting law enforcement was contacted, fled the area on Monday.
On Tuesday, June 22, 2021, Detective Johnson obtained a warrant for the arrest Eliseo Barrios Lopez, for the charge of Sexual Battery. Knowing Barrios Lopez most likely fled the state of Florida, detectives enlisted the assistance of the U.S. Marshals, who adopted the case and began the search for Barrios Lopez.
On Wednesday, June 23, 2021, the U.S. Marshals located Barrios Lopez in Texas, at which time he was placed under arrest on the Hernando County warrant.
During the investigation, detectives discovered Barrios Lopez is in the United States illegally. Subpoenas to his current employer/payroll company revealed he utilized another person’s social security number when completing paperwork.
Additional investigation is required regarding use of the social security number.
Additional charges are possible and we will update this story when details are released.
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