Anaheim Fugitive Captured In Guatemala After Alleged Rape Of 13-Year-Old

Brian Verbena-Martinez, 34, was arrested in Guatemala and charged with kidnapping and repeatedly raping a 13-year-old in Orange County, prosecutors say.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A cross-border manhunt for an Anaheim sex offender ended in Guatemala last week, where authorities arrested 34-year-old Brian Estuardo Verbena-Martinez. The registered sex offender is accused of kidnapping and repeatedly raping a 13-year-old Orange County girl and now faces multiple felony counts that could send him to prison for life without the possibility of parole, prosecutors said.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in tracking down and apprehending dangerous sex offenders who flee across international borders. It also underscores the importance of cross-border cooperation and coordination between federal, local, and international agencies to bring such perpetrators to justice.

The details

According to prosecutors, Verbena-Martinez pulled up next to the 13-year-old girl while she was walking and escalated his behavior until she entered his vehicle. Authorities allege he then assaulted the girl over several hours in multiple locations, including parking lots and his apartment, while other children were present, before dropping her off at a friend's home in Garden Grove. Verbena-Martinez has been charged with a range of felonies, including kidnapping to commit a sex offense, forcible rape, and lewd acts upon a child.

  • On December 5, Verbena-Martinez allegedly kidnapped 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 registered sex offender from Anaheim who is accused of kidnapping and repeatedly raping a 13-year-old girl in Orange County.

Orange County District Attorney's Office

The prosecuting agency that has charged Verbena-Martinez with multiple felonies that could result in a life sentence without parole.

Westminster Police

The local law enforcement agency that identified Verbena-Martinez as the suspect in the December 5 incident.

FBI

The federal law enforcement agency that assisted in the cross-border manhunt and arrest of Verbena-Martinez in Guatemala.

Policia Nacional Civil/Transnational Anti-Gang Task Force

The Guatemalan law enforcement agency that collaborated with U.S. authorities to locate and apprehend Verbena-Martinez.

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What they’re saying

“The allegations in this case are beyond horrific.”

— Akil Davis, Assistant Director in Charge (Orange County District Attorney's Office)

What’s next

Prosecutors will move forward with charges against Verbena-Martinez in Orange County courts, while law enforcement partners coordinate any international custody and transfer procedures.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of cross-border cooperation between law enforcement agencies to track down and apprehend dangerous sex offenders who attempt to evade justice by fleeing across international borders. It also underscores the need for continued vigilance and strong penalties to protect vulnerable members of the community.