Anaheim Man Charged in Alleged Sexual Assault of 13-Year-Old After Fleeing to Guatemala

Prosecutors say Brian Estuardo Verbena-Martinez, a registered sex offender, could face life in prison if convicted.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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A 34-year-old Anaheim man has been charged with several felonies, including kidnapping to commit a sex offense and forcible rape, related to the alleged sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl in December. Prosecutors say Brian Estuardo Verbena-Martinez, a registered sex offender, was arrested in Guatemala last week after a monthslong investigation by local and federal authorities.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of tracking down and prosecuting registered sex offenders who commit new crimes and then attempt to flee the country to avoid justice. It also raises concerns about the effectiveness of sex offender registration and monitoring programs in preventing repeat offenses.

The details

Prosecutors allege that on Dec. 5, Verbena-Martinez approached the 13-year-old girl in Westminster, asked if she needed a ride, and then sexually assaulted her in multiple locations over several hours before dropping her off at a friend's home in Garden Grove. The Westminster Police Department and FBI later located Verbena-Martinez in Guatemala, where he was arrested last week.

  • On December 5, Verbena-Martinez allegedly approached and assaulted the 13-year-old girl.
  • Verbena-Martinez was arrested in Guatemala last week.

The players

Brian Estuardo Verbena-Martinez

A 34-year-old Anaheim man who has been charged with several felonies, including kidnapping to commit a sex offense and forcible rape, related to the alleged sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl. Verbena-Martinez is a registered sex offender who was convicted in Los Angeles County in 2019 of arranging to meet a minor with the intent to engage in sexual contact.

Orange County District Attorney's Office

The prosecutors who have charged Verbena-Martinez and are seeking to bring him to justice.

Westminster Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that identified Verbena-Martinez as the suspect in the alleged sexual assault.

FBI

The federal law enforcement agency that assisted in locating and arresting Verbena-Martinez in Guatemala.

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What they’re saying

“The pursuit of justice knows no borders, and we will continue to go to the very ends of the earth to carry out our mission to secure accountability and safeguard public safety.”

— Todd Spitzer, Orange County District Attorney (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Verbena-Martinez to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of monitoring and prosecuting registered sex offenders who commit new crimes, as well as the importance of international cooperation in tracking down and apprehending fugitives who attempt to flee the country to avoid justice.