Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Man sentenced to 12 years for sexually assaulting girl
BENTONVILLE — A man admitted Monday to sexually assaulting a 12-year- old girl more than 19 years after he failed to show up for his original court date.
Ricardo Jaramillo-Guillen, 38, pleaded guilty Monday to sexual assault. He was originally charged with rape but agreed to plead guilty to the lesser charge under a plea agreement.
Jaramillo-Guillen was arrested in February 2002 and later charged with rape.
The girl told authorities she was visiting a friend Feb. 1, 2002, and Jaramillo-Guillen raped her in the bathroom of the house, according to a probable cause affidavit.
Jaramillo-Guillen told officers he was at the home when the girl visited, but he denied having any sexual contact with the girl, according to the affidavit.
Jaramillo- Guillen failed to appear at a court hearing Oct. 14, 2002. A warrant was issued for his arrest. He was arrested on the warrant Feb. 14, 2020, after serving a 10-month sentence for illegal reentry into the country, according to court documents. He was arrested after being released from federal custody, according to court documents.
He admitted in court Monday to sexually assaulting the girl.
Benton County Circuit Judge Robin Green sentenced Jaramillo-Guillen to 12 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections.
He will be required to register as a sex offender. He must enroll in and complete a sex offender treatment program.