In southeast Georgia, the arrest of 26-year-old Kenneth Moreno Guzman following a home invasion and sexual assault has brought renewed attention to the issues of public safety and immigration enforcement. The Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Guzman, who entered the United States illegally, now faces multiple felony charges, including rape and aggravated child molestation, with the possibility of life imprisonment if convicted.
The incident occurred at the Eagle Creek Mobile Home Park near Statesboro, where Guzman is alleged to have broken into a mobile home shortly after midnight on January 12. Inside, he reportedly assaulted two young sisters, aged 11 and 10, who were asleep in their bedroom. Authorities claim Guzman used a knife to threaten the girls and sexually assaulted the older sister before fleeing the scene.
The younger sister, although not sexually assaulted, was purportedly held at knifepoint during the attack. The girls managed to escape and alert their mother and stepfather, who immediately contacted law enforcement. Deputies responded swiftly to the scene to collect evidence and identify the suspect.
Captain Todd Hutchens of the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office outlined that the suspected motive was particularly disturbing, as investigators believe Guzman was attracted to the older child, having seen her in the neighborhood previously. The family did not have a personal acquaintance with Guzman, despite his residence in the vicinity.
Facing 10 felony charges with 20 counts in total, Guzman’s alleged crimes include rape, statutory rape, aggravated child molestation, aggravated sodomy, first-degree cruelty to children, first-degree home invasion, burglary, false imprisonment, two counts of aggravated assault with a knife, and 10 counts of possession of a knife during the commission of a felony. The charges are severe under Georgia law, with some leading to decades-long sentences or life in prison, especially those involving rape and aggravated sodomy.
Sheriff’s officials have reported that Guzman is being held without bond as the case progresses towards a grand jury presentation. His arrest came during a traffic stop where he was also found to have an outstanding warrant for prior misdemeanor traffic offenses.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) became involved after the arrest, determining that Guzman illegally entered the country from Mexico approximately five years ago. An ICE detainer has been issued, ensuring that Guzman will remain in local custody until the case is resolved in court.
The Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office is preparing to present the case to a grand jury and has requested anyone with additional information to contact Investigator Kodi Wallis. Captain Hutchens expressed relief at Guzman's arrest, stating, "Now that this individual is in jail, we know he will not be able to victimize anyone else right now—and hopefully not ever again."
