Published: May 11, 2009 11:15 pm      

Authorities searching for man involved with young girl

Local law enforcement officials are seeking the public’s help in locating a young Hispanic man whom they say was involved with a 12-year-old girl who allegedly ran away with the man for a brief time. 

Anderson County Sheriff Greg Taylor said Monday that a warrant for unlawful restraint has been issued for the arrest of Luis Fernando Grimaldo, a Hispanic male thought to be 19 years old. More serious charges could be forthcoming against the man, Taylor said, and added that Grimaldo only has a Mexican ID, not a valid Texas driver’s license. 

On April 27, the 12-year-old girl was visiting family on ACR 373, Taylor said, when she allegedly left that location with Grimaldo, who was last seen in a 1998 silver Mustang. 

A runaway report was filed, and on April 30, sheriff’s officers contacted the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which in turn put out flyers and contacted officials in Mexico and Florida, Taylor said. 

“We were afraid that he might have taken her to Mexico,” Taylor said. “We contacted the border.” 

The girl returned home last Wednesday and is now at the Anderson County Juvenile Detention Center, he said.

Sheriff’s officers are seeking the public’s help in locating Grimaldo, who is described as a Hispanic male, 5-foot, 6-inches tall and 180 pounds, with black hair with a blond streak, brown eyes and acne.

Grimaldo has been known to frequent the North Fort Street trailer park and residences in the 300 block of West Lacy Street and the 100 block of Brierwood Drive, Taylor said.

Currently, the only charge against Grimaldo is unlawful restraint, a state jail felony with a $30,000 bond pre-set by Judge Todd, Taylor said. 

“Possibly further charges will be filed for aggravated sexual assault of a child,” Taylor said. “Anybody with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact CrimeStoppers or the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office. 

CrimeStoppers is offering up to a $1,000 reward for information leading to Grimaldo’s arrest, Taylor said. Tips made to CrimeStoppers are anonymous. 

Sheriff’s Sgt. Wendell Wilcher is leading the investigation.

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Beth Foley may be contacted via e-mail at bfoley@palestineherald.com