33-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting child (The Times-Tribune)

33-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting child
BY JEREMY G. BURTON (STAFF WRITER)
Published: October 20, 2010

A 33-year-old Honduran man is accused of sexually assaulting a 5-year-old girl early Tuesday in South Scranton.

Santos A. Garcia-Paz fled when the victim immediately told her mother, who called police, according to city Detective Vince Uher. Officers caught Mr. Garcia-Paz a few blocks away.

He was arrested and charged with aggravated indecent assault of a child, unlawful contact with minor, indecent assault and corruption of minors.

He was held at Lackawanna County Prison in lieu of $50,000 bail.

Mr. Garcia-Paz was staying the night at the girl's house, where a relative of his also lived.

In an interview with Detective Uher, he allegedly admitted he assaulted the girl in her room after getting drunk and smoking marijuana. Mr. Garcia-Paz said he was not thinking correctly and was "very sorry" because the victim was "a baby."

Mr. Garcia-Paz also told police he was in the U.S. illegally after immigrating from Honduras two years ago. Authorities from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement placed a detainer on Mr. Garcia-Paz, who police said would be deported once any state charges have been adjudicated.