Law enforcement announced the arrest of 34-year-old Brian Estuardo Verbena-Martinez in Guatemala after he allegedly kidnapped a 13-year-old girl in Orange County and assaulted her repeatedly over several hours. Agencies including the FBI and the U.S. Department of Justice Office of International Affairs coordinated across borders to track and detain him. Prosecutors now charge him with multiple felonies and are working to bring him back to California to face trial.
According to investigators, the incident began on Dec. 5, 2025, when the suspect pulled up beside a 13-year-old who was walking and offered her a ride. Detectives say he became aggressive and the girl entered his vehicle, after which she was allegedly taken to several locations. Over the course of hours he is accused of sexually assaulting her in parking lots and inside an apartment where other children were reportedly present, before leaving her at a friend’s home in Garden Grove.
Authorities identified the suspect as Brian Estuardo Verbena-Martinez of Anaheim and tracked him to Guatemala following a multi-jurisdictional investigation. The arrest last week came after coordinated work by local police, the FBI, and federal partners who shared intelligence and legal assistance across borders. Officials have said the operation reflects routine cooperation that helps bring suspects home when they flee the country to avoid prosecution.
Prosecutors have filed a series of serious felony charges tied to the alleged attack, including kidnapping to commit a sex offense, forcible rape, sexual penetration of a child under 14 by force, forcible oral copulation with a minor under 14, and multiple counts of lewd acts on a child under 14. If convicted on all counts, the defendant faces the possibility of life in prison without the chance of parole. Court filings also note that he previously registered as a sex offender after a 2019 Los Angeles County conviction for arranging to meet a minor with intent to engage in sexual conduct.
“The crimes alleged against Verbena-Martinez are beyond horrific and something the young victim in this case must tragically endure,” said Akil Davis, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “This is the third announcement of a fugitive returned to Orange County this year from countries including Mexico, Vietnam and Guatemala, based on the successful relationship with the FBI, our law enforcement partners in Orange County, our foreign counterparts and the U.S. Department of Justice. The FBI will continue to assist local police when fugitives flee the state of California to evade capture.”
Investigators emphasized the toll such cases take on victims and communities while stressing the importance of persistent, collaborative policing. Detectives worked with international counterparts to secure the arrest and begin extradition steps, noting that those cross-border relationships are vital when suspects try to hide overseas. Prosecutors say they will pursue a full prosecution in Orange County once he is returned to the United States.
Legal teams are preparing for the formal transfer and arraignment process, which will determine the defendant’s custody and the schedule for upcoming hearings. Victim support services and child advocacy groups are expected to be involved to provide care and ensure the young survivor’s needs are met during the criminal process. Officials say the case will proceed on the established path of investigation, indictment, and prosecution as evidence is presented in court.
Community leaders and law enforcement underscored a commitment to keeping dangerous offenders from evading justice by crossing borders. They pointed to recent returns of fugitives from Mexico, Vietnam and Guatemala as examples of effective international cooperation that delivers accountability. For now, authorities remain focused on ensuring a secure and lawful transfer back to Orange County so the courts can handle the case fully.
