Authorities have identified a man accused of raping a woman on a popular trail in Herndon, Virginia, as an illegal immigrant with a significant criminal history. Despite his record, local and federal officials allowed him to remain in the community.
On Monday, authorities arrested Denis Humberto Navarette Romero, charging him with Abduction with Intent to Defile and Rape following an alleged attack on the Washington & Old Dominion Trail in Herndon, Virginia.
According to Herndon Police Chief Maggie DeBoard, Navarette Romero is a Honduran national who is in the United States illegally. Local news outlet Fox 5 DC confirmed that authorities disclosed his immigration status after the arrest:
Herndon Police Chief Maggie DeBoard said the attack occurred between Ferndale Avenue and Grace Street after the victim had left a nearby business.
“I am incredibly saddened and outraged that a crime like this could happen here in the town of Herndon,” she added.
Romero is accused of grabbing the victim while on the well-traveled trail and assaulting her. The victim managed to escape and sought help, leading to the suspect’s apprehension minutes later.
🚨🇺🇸 ILLEGAL MIGRANT CHARGED IN VIRGINIA RAPE AFTER JAIL RELEASE
Honduran illegal immigrant Denis Humberto Navarette Romero, arrested for raping a woman on a Virginia trail, was released early from jail days prior for indecent exposure.
With a history of sexual assaults dating… pic.twitter.com/lGIrnJ0sAJ
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) November 24, 2024
Romero is characterized as a repeat offender with a concerning criminal history. Police believe there may be other victims and are urging anyone with information to contact the Herndon Police Department.
DeBoard emphasized that rapes between strangers are rare in the area, noting, “This is the only stranger rape that we’ve had in the town in my more than 12 years as chief of police.”
Romero, a Honduran national, has a documented history of sexual assaults and indecent exposures in the region dating back to 2022, according to DeBoard.
Authorities revealed that he is in the country illegally and has been arrested and released multiple times.
Responding to the news, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin said, “I am heartsick for this victim and outraged that local Fairfax County officials recklessly release violent illegal immigrants who should have been prosecuted and deported.”
“This is a dereliction of their most basic duty to keep people safe,” Youngkin continued. “Prioritizing violent illegal immigrants over the safety of Fairfax residents is unacceptable.”
The incident has shocked residents and renewed questions about immigration enforcement policies in Fairfax County. As a self-declared sanctuary county, Fairfax allowed the suspect to remain in the community despite his status, limiting local law enforcement’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
READ NEXT: Authorities Capture FBI’s ‘Most Wanted Terrorist’ In Overseas Mission