Lexington Man Charged with Sexually Assaulting Teen

Police arrested Marcos Jesus Banuelos Valdes on multiple rape and sodomy counts.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:53am

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An extreme close-up of a metal handcuff lock, its textured surface and sharp edges dramatically illuminated by a harsh camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the harsh realities of a sexual assault investigation.The arrest of a suspect in a sexual assault case against a minor exposes the grim realities of crimes targeting vulnerable youth.Lexington Today

Lexington police have arrested a 59-year-old man named Marcos Jesus Banuelos Valdes on charges of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old juvenile over the course of several months in 2025 and 2026. Valdes faces 17 counts of rape in the third degree and four counts of sodomy in the third degree.

Why it matters

Sexual assault crimes against minors are a serious concern in the Lexington community, and this arrest highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to investigate and prosecute such cases to protect vulnerable youth.

The details

According to police, Special Victims Detectives responded to a report of a sexual assault of a 17-year-old juvenile that occurred between 2025 and 2026. After an investigation, they arrested Marcos Jesus Banuelos Valdes on Thursday and charged him with 17 counts of rape in the third degree and four counts of sodomy in the third degree.

  • The sexual assault incidents occurred between 2025 and 2026.
  • Valdes was arrested by Lexington police on Thursday, April 10, 2026.

The players

Marcos Jesus Banuelos Valdes

A 59-year-old man who was arrested and charged with sexually assaulting a 17-year-old juvenile.

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What’s next

Valdes is being held in the Fayette County Detention Center as the investigation continues.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement, social services, and the community to identify and prosecute sexual predators who target minors in order to protect vulnerable youth.