Michigan Sex Crime Attorneys Blog
Ruben Carerra, a 27-year-old Houston police officer who has worked at Central Command since 2012, was recently charged with sexual assault of a child after he allegedly had a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl. Carerra admitted to the accusations, saying that he and the girl had a “dating relationship.”
The alleged victim works at a Chick-Fil-A restaurant, where co-workers reported the relationship after witnessing Carerra picking up the girl at the restaurant and leaving in his patrol car. One co-worker said that they came in like a “normal couple.”
The alleged victim told investigators that she and Carerra went a lot further than kissing, and that on one occasion, he answered a radio call while in his uniform. The girl told authorities while being interviewed that she and Carerra were lying on her bed kissing, and that he asked her if she wanted to do “it.” She claims that she declined having sex, but that he sexually assaulted her.
Neighbors of the girl said they would notice a police care parked at the girl’s home for hours, and at first believed there was a criminal investigation going on.
Carrera was relieved of his duties pending the outcome of the case. He was freed on a $50,000 bond.
Even when a minor agrees to a sexual relationship with someone who is older, those under a certain age cannot lawfully give consent. Even though the alleged victim in this situation was clearly having a romantic relationship with the police officer, it is unlawful for an adult to engage in sexual relations with someone who is underage.
If found guilty of he charges, Carrera could spend up to 20 years in prison under Texas law.
In Michigan, the age at which someone can consent to sexual relations is 16. This means that any adult who engages in sexual relations with a minor younger than 16, even if the minor agrees, can be charged with statutory rape. When the minor is older than 13 but younger than 16, the offender may face up to 15 years if convicted.
Regardless of the situation, all sex crimes are serious, and punished severely for those convicted. If you have been accused of statutory rape, Internet sex crimes, or any related offense, the best defense is to hire a capable and skilled Michigan sex crime defense attorney.