Update: Pasco Sheriff’s Office arrested Eduardo Rivera-Villarreal (DOB: 8/14/72), who entered the country illegally and has no lawful status, for human trafficking, lewd and lascivious battery and sexual battery – rape of a victim between 12-17.

On or around Aug. 20, Rivera-Villarreal pulled over to a Pasco County public bus stop where a 14-year-old girl was sitting and offered her a ride. After getting into the vehicle, Rivera-Villarreal propositioned the victim and paid her for sex.

Rivera-Villarreal continued to meet with the victim on multiple occasions and at several different locations between Aug. 20 and Sept. 2. During these meetings, Rivera-Villarreal paid the victim for sex in exchange for alcoholic beverages and money. At one point during these encounters, the victim did notify Rivera-Villarreal of her age, but he continued to engage with the juvenile. On another instance, the victim attempted to leave, at which time Rivera-Villarreal forced himself on the victim.

After their last meeting, the juvenile was notably intoxicated from alcoholic beverages given by Rivera-Villarreal and was taken to a hospital by another adult. The juvenile notified this person about the encounters with Rivera-Villarreal, who then contacted law enforcement. PSO detectives quickly made contact with Rivera-Villarreal and made the arrest.

The victim is safe and receiving the necessary resources. No additional information is available about the child, as Marsy’s Law protects her identity. The investigation remains ongoing, and no additional information is available at this time.

There are no reports of additional victims at this time; however, if you or a loved one believe you may be a victim, contact the PSO Crime Tips Line at 1-800-706-2488 or report tips online at PascoSheriff.com/tips.