An off-duty Bexar County Sheriff’s Department deputy has been arrested on a felony charge of sexual assault of a child. The deputy is accused of using the mothers status as an undocumented immigrant to cover for his crimes.

Mother of Abused Child Feared Deportation

According to CBS News, Jose Nunez, 47, who is a detention deputy, has been with the department for 10 years. The sheriff, Javier Salazar, states that the victim’s mother is an undocumented immigrant, and the suspect took advantage of that, due to the mother’s fear of deportation.

Nunez, is being charged with super aggravated assault. This is a charge that is applied when the victim is under the age of six. Salazar says the victim, who is four, cried out to her mother on Saturday. He stated that the mother had decided to report the abuse to a local fire station.

After this occurred, investigators quickly arrested Nunez, at about 3:00 am Sunday. Investigators believe that the abuse could possibly go back months or years. Nunez has been placed on administrative leave, pending an investigation. Internal affairs will also be conducting a separate case. Salazar also stated that “When one person or persons individually demonstrate like they did in this case that they’re not worthy to be part of this agency, then we’re going to, quite frankly, get them out of here. Cut them out like cancer.”

Javier Salazar said he encourages undocumented immigrants to continue to report crimes. He said there could be more victims in Nunez’s case.

What to Do if You Suspect a Child Is Being Abused?

Child sexual abuse is a crime that often goes undetected. You have the power to make a positive difference in a child’s life. Here are some tips to follow if you suspect a child is being abused:

• Recognize the signs, both physical and behavioral:
  • Behavioral signs: Shrinking away from or seeming threatened by physical contact, regressive behaviors like thumb sucking, changing hygiene routines such as refusing to bathe or bathing excessively, age-inappropriate sexual behaviors, sleep disturbances, or nightmares
  • Physical signs: Bruising or swelling near the genital area, blood on sheets or undergarments, or broken bones
  • Verbal cues: Using words or phrases that are “too adult” for their age, unexplained silence, or suddenly being less talkative
• Talk to the child:
  • Choose a safe space away from the person you may suspect of causing the abuse. Speak to the child in a casual, non-threatening tone to keep the child at ease. Talk to the child directly, using words that the child will understand. Avoid judgmental statements and questions and avoid blaming the child. Be reassuring to the child and let them know that you are concerned for them.
• Report it to authorities:
  • Before reporting, tell the child you are going to talk to someone else who can help. Make sure the child is in a safe place, and if you are concerned about the child’s safety, be sure to let the authorities know. If you are not concerned that the parents are the ones causing harm, consult with them prior to reporting to authorities.

Contact an Experienced Child Abuse Attorney

If you believe that your child has been the victim of sexual abuse, contact Thomas J. Henry. For over two decades, Thomas J. Henry has been an advocate for sexually abused children across the state of Texas. Our experienced child injury lawyers are available 24/7, nights and weekends to take your call. Contact us today for a free legal consultation.