Two men have been arrested in connection with the alleged repeated rape of a 12-year-old girl. Felix Bustillo Diaz, a 49-year-old immigrant from Honduras, and Jose Gerber-Rivera, a 45-year-old Salvadoran national, face serious charges involving the child, who was brought illegally into the United States by her mother in 2014. The girl, who was left in the care of Bustillo, managed to escape her situation with the help of two women, but not before enduring horrific treatment.
Reports indicate that Bustillo was granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) by the Biden administration in 2024, despite having a prior criminal conviction. This status has since been revoked, leading to his detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for immigration violations.
On October 3, Brenda Garcia, 38, and Tania Garcia, 37, were arrested for their alleged involvement in the girl’s abuse. They reportedly deceived the girl into thinking they were rescuing her but instead zip-tied, beat, and tortured her. Allegedly, they forced her to perform manual labor while keeping her malnourished.
Investigation Details and Arrests
Local law enforcement agencies, including the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, have expressed outrage over the case. Chad Plantz, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Houston, stated, “The conduct uncovered in this investigation was both disturbing and inexcusable.” He emphasized that the safety of victims remains a priority for HSI.
Following the investigation, Bustillo was transferred to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, while Rivera was apprehended with assistance from the Montgomery County Constables Office in The Woodlands, Texas, on November 4. Sheriff Wesley Doolittle described the details of the investigation as “deeply disturbing” and indicated that they represent some of the most heinous crimes in society.
Ongoing Efforts for Justice
Authorities have confirmed that while the child is now safe, their mission to uncover all aspects of this investigation is far from over. They continue to work diligently with various law enforcement partners to ensure that justice is served and that all responsible parties are held accountable.
The case has raised significant concerns regarding the safety and treatment of vulnerable individuals, particularly minors in precarious situations. As investigations proceed, the focus remains on securing justice for the victim and preventing future incidents of abuse.
