Convicted sex offender captured after fleeing Orange County child sex assault

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A registered sex offender, Brian Estuardo Verbena-Martinez, 34, of Anaheim, has been captured in Guatemala after fleeing there to evade arrest for allegedly kidnapping a 13-year-old girl in Westminster, California in 2025 and repeatedly sexually assaulting her over several hours before dropping her off at a friend's home.

Why it matters

This case highlights the dangers posed by repeat sex offenders who are able to reoffend and evade law enforcement, raising concerns about the effectiveness of sex offender registration and monitoring programs, as well as the need for stronger measures to protect vulnerable minors from predatory criminals.

The details

Verbena-Martinez is accused of approaching the 13-year-old girl on a street in Westminster, becoming increasingly aggressive until she got into his car, and then sexually assaulting her at multiple locations, including his apartment, over several hours before dropping her off. After Westminster police identified Verbena-Martinez as the suspect, he fled Orange County and became a fugitive, leading to a multi-agency effort to capture him in Guatemala.

• On December 5, 2025, Verbena-Martinez allegedly kidnapped and sexually assaulted the 13-year-old girl.
• In 2019, Verbena-Martinez was previously convicted in Los Angeles County of arranging to meet a minor with the intent to engage in sexual conduct.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Verbena-Martinez will be extradited back to Orange County to face multiple felony charges, including kidnapping to commit a sex offense and forcible rape. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.