2024’s Dark Side: Unveiling 8 Shocking Sex Crimes

When domestic disputes get twisted

In February, Maricopa police arrested 37-year-old Nicolas A. Heredia after a violent domestic incident involving his partner. Reports indicate that Heredia, heavily intoxicated, repeatedly vandalized their home while forcing the woman to clean. His aggression escalated in the bedroom, where he allegedly inflicted physical harm. Threatening her life if she cheated, she ultimately felt compelled to call the authorities the following morning. Officers found Heredia belligerent and resisting arrest. He has been found guilty and is set to be sentenced in July.

A not-so-innocent lemonade stand

Police charged 35-year-old Martin Hernandez in March following an altercation where he assaulted a neighbor. Hernandez believed the man made inappropriate advances toward his daughter at a lemonade stand. After confronting the neighbor, Hernandez physically attacked him, despite the neighbor’s insistence that cultural differences were at play. The case saw its latest development on November 25, when Hernandez secured a continuance.

A poolside predator in Glennwilde

In June, 43-year-old Steven Galeana was arrested in connection with the sexual molestation of a child at a Glennwilde swimming pool. While investigators reported that Galeana engaged in sexual contact with the underage girl, evidence suggests he also made inappropriate comments. The ongoing legal proceedings have revealed audio recordings from the girl and a witness. His case is currently pending in Pinal County Superior Court.

Bus stop creep came down from Gilbert

A 14-year-old female student was the victim of indecent exposure in August. Following the report, Maricopa Police launched an investigation that led them to a suspect in Gilbert. Although evidence was insufficient for an arrest, the department is collaborating with the Pinal County Attorney’s Office to pursue charges against the suspect.

A sickening discovery in Homestead

In August, authorities arrested 31-year-old Lucas A. Scott after investigators discovered hundreds of pornographic images of children on his phone. He faces serious charges related to child sexual exploitation, with potential prison time ranging from 21 to 35 years. The investigation revealed a substantial amount of evidence, including numerous images and videos of child sexual abuse material. The case remains active in Pinal County Superior Court.

Child rapist tried to flee the country

In September, Jacob Moreno, 31, was apprehended after police uncovered evidence of sexual exploitation involving a minor. The investigation began when the victim’s father reported a sexual assault, leading to a review of the girl’s phone. It contained compromising photographs and videos of the two together. Moreno was the victim’s supervisor and had allegedly attempted to persuade the victim to flee with him. He faces significant charges, with a lengthy legal process ongoing.

A disturbing home invasion in Glennwilde

A home invasion in Glennwilde led to the arrest of 26-year-old Ahkim L. Neely in November. He reportedly trespassed into a woman’s bedroom, disregarding her refusal for sexual advances, and subsequently committed acts of sexual abuse. During police questioning, he confessed to his actions. Neely, previously convicted of armed robbery, faces serious felony charges that could result in over 27 years in prison. The case is moving through the judicial system.

A Scion, a shotgun and one very bad night

In November, 19-year-old Brayden Miles Petersen was caught by Maricopa police parked with a shotgun, drugs, and an underage girl at the Copper Sky Recreation Complex. Initially claiming consent, the girl later disclosed that the sexual encounter was coerced. Petersen awaits serious charges related to sexual assault and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, although these charges were ultimately dropped.