Police: Las Cruces man sexually assaulted teen girl, threatened to kill her family
This article discusses sexual assault and suicide. If you or someone you know experiences sexual violence, you can find local support via La Piñon's 24-Hour Crisis Hotline at 575-526-3437 or go to www.lapinon.org.
LAS CRUCES – Prosecutors are seeking to keep a man in jail ahead of trial after a teen girl accused him of sexually assaulting her and threatening to murder her family.
Jesus Jose Rodriguez, 43, stands charged with one count of criminal sexual penetration of a child by force, aggravated burglary, kidnapping with the intent to commit a sexual offense, and assault with intent to commit a violent felony. Rodriguez remains jailed as of the publication of this article.
Rodriguez was scheduled for a hearing on June 6 to determine if the court should jail him ahead of trial. However, court records show the hearing was reset to next week. Rodriguez will remain in jail during the interim week.
'If you tell anyone, I'll kill you and your family.'
According to an affidavit filed in the Third Judicial District Court, a 13-year-old girl and Las Cruces resident argued with her mother. The girl disclosed that Rodriguez raped her in April 2023 after breaking into her house. The mother told police she waited a day before discussing the allegations again. After hearing this, the mother said she decided to file a police report.
During a forensic interview, the girl said she was watching television alone at her mother's house when she heard two men break in. The girl recognized Rodriguez since Rodriguez lived with her and her mother a month prior.
The girl said that Rodriguez preceded to assault her while the other man burglarized the residence. Afterward, Rodriguez told her, "If you tell anyone, I'll kill you and your family."
The mother also told police she received a text message from an unknown number after reporting the rape. The text read, "Now u f---ked up b--ch. Here I come h--." The mother believed the message came from Rodriguez.
Holding Rodriguez ahead of trial
Rodriguez is set for a hearing on June 14 to determine if he will be jailed until trial after his lawyer, Todd Holmes, requested a continuance during a hearing on June 6.
To hold Rodriguez, prosecutors must prove two points. First, they must prove to a judge's satisfaction that Rodriguez is dangerous. Second, they must prove that no form of bond could protect the public's safety. Rodriguez's past encounters with the court will likely play a factor in determining the second point.
According to court records, Rodriguez was accused of harassment in 2022 and accused of violating restraining orders twice in 2023. All three of those allegations resulted in pending charges.
Justin Garcia covers public safety and local government in Las Cruces. He can be reached via email at JEGarcia@lcsun-news.com, via text at 575-541-5449, or on Twitter @Just516Garc.