Photo: Carmelo Vasquez
In the early hours of June 29th , the parents of a 12-year old girl realized she had gone missing at
some point during the night.
They reported her absence to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office.
Just before 6 AM, the girl came home. When asked where she was, the girl told her family she would
sneak out about 1 AM and was picked up by a 32-year old male she met online two months ago.
The man took her to his home and raped her. The family called the Sheriff’s Office to update
them on the girl’s whereabouts and report the sexual assault.
The deputy who responded to the girl’s home learned she and the 32-year old, identified as
Carmelo Vasquez, used the apps “Snapchat” and “Meet Me” to communicate.
They first met in person two weeks prior to this incident and continued communication by phone until meeting again on this day. Once the male’s name was given, deputies were able to locate and arrest him.
Vasquez was arrested by the Fresno County Sheriff’s Sex Crimes Unit for rape and several
other sexual assault charges. He was booked at the Fresno County Jail but has since posted bond
on his $195,000 bail.
The possibility of other victims remains. Anyone with further information about this case is
encouraged to contact Detective Justin Williamson at 559-600-8216.
Photo from the FCSO
