Registered Sex Offender Arrested in Guatemala for Alleged Kidnapping and Rape of 13-Year-Old

Authorities say Brian Estuardo Verbena-Martinez faces life in prison if convicted on all charges.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Law enforcement authorities have captured a registered sex offender accused of kidnapping a 13-year-old girl from Orange County, California, and repeatedly raping her over several hours. Prosecutors allege that on December 5, 2025, Verbena-Martinez pulled alongside the girl, asked if she needed a ride, and then sexually assaulted her in multiple locations before dropping her off at a friend's residence.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing threat of child predators and the importance of law enforcement cooperation across jurisdictions to apprehend fugitives who flee the country to evade capture. It also raises concerns about the effectiveness of sex offender registration and monitoring programs.

The details

Authorities arrested 34-year-old Brian Estuardo Verbena-Martinez of Anaheim last week in Guatemala following a coordinated, multi-jurisdictional effort. Prosecutors have charged him with one felony count of kidnapping to commit a sex offense, one felony count of forcible rape, one felony count of sexual penetration of a child under 14 by force, one felony count of forcible oral copulation with a minor under 14, and three felony counts of lewd acts upon a child under 14. If convicted on all counts, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

  • On December 5, 2025, Verbena-Martinez allegedly kidnapped and sexually assaulted the 13-year-old girl.
  • Verbena-Martinez was arrested last week in Guatemala.

The players

Brian Estuardo Verbena-Martinez

A 34-year-old registered sex offender from Anaheim, California, who is accused of kidnapping and repeatedly raping a 13-year-old girl.

FBI

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, which assisted in the coordinated, multi-jurisdictional effort to apprehend Verbena-Martinez in Guatemala.

U.S. Department of Justice Office of International Affairs

The U.S. Department of Justice office that collaborated with local agencies and foreign counterparts to track down and arrest Verbena-Martinez.

Westminster Police

The local law enforcement agency that identified Verbena-Martinez as the suspect and worked with the FBI and federal authorities to locate him in Guatemala.

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What they’re saying

“The crimes alleged against Verbena-Martinez are beyond horrific and something the young victim in this case must tragically endure.”

— Akil Davis, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing threat of child predators and the importance of robust sex offender registration and monitoring programs, as well as the need for strong international cooperation to apprehend fugitives who flee the country to evade capture.