CCPD, U.S. Marshals, apprehend fugitive suspect in child sexual battery investigation
The Cape Coral Police Department’s Special Victims Unit, along with the U.S. Marshals, have apprehended a fugitive suspect in a child sexual battery investigation that dates back nearly four years.
Jesus Leon Leyva, 42, has been located and taken into custody following a coordinated international law enforcement effort.
According to CCPD officials, Leyva is currently being held in Harris County, Texas awaiting extradition to Lee County. Leyva is charged with sexual battery on a child.
“The Cape Coral Police Department extends its sincere gratitude to the U.S. Marshals Service, its regional fugitive task force, international field offices, and Mexican authorities for their steadfast dedication and relentless collaboration in bringing this fugitive to justice,” CCPD officials stated in a release.
According to police, on Dec. 19 of 2022, CCPD officers responded to a report regarding an indecent that occurred days prior at an apartment in Cape Coral. Police officials state that detectives assigned to SVU immediately launched an investigation into allegations that Leyva exposed himself and committed sexual battery against a juvenile victim.
CCPD officials stated that following the incident, Layva fled in an attempt to evade law enforcement, prompting the multi-agency manhunt.
“After investigators with the U.S. Marshals Service Florida/Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force – Fort Myers office developed information indicating Jesus Leon Leyva was in Mexico, they coordinated with the USMS Office of International Operations – Mexico Foreign Field Office and Mexican authorities to locate and apprehend him,” CCPD officials stated.
The investigation remains ongoing.
To reach CJ HADDAD, please email cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com