News Summary
A 31-year-old man, Anthony Cortez, has been arrested for the sexual assault and kidnapping of a 15-year-old girl in San Antonio. The girl was found locked in a storage closet after being reported missing. Police responded to a tip-off and rescued her, discovering she had been assaulted and required medical attention. Cortez has been charged with multiple offenses, including sexual assault of a child and kidnapping. The case highlights the critical need for vigilance in child safety within the community.
San Antonio – A 31-year-old man, Anthony Jassiel Cortez, has been arrested for the sexual assault and kidnapping of a 15-year-old girl after she was found locked in a storage closet. The arrest follows a report of the girl missing on June 1, which prompted a police investigation leading to her discovery.
The girl’s mother reported her missing to the San Antonio Police Department, prompting a search that culminated in the girl being found on June 4. Friends of the girl’s mother provided information regarding her potential location, which led detectives to Cortez’s residence. According to police, Cortez admitted to being with the girl for several days but claimed that he had dropped her off at a local shopping mall.
However, the situation took a dramatic turn when authorities received a voice recording of the girl, which depicted her slurring her speech, indicating that she was locked in a shed near Cortez’s home and that she was aware of police presence nearby. Responding officers heard the girl banging on the door of a locked storage closet, ultimately leading to her rescue.
Upon finding her, police discovered that the girl was wearing only her underwear and a t-shirt, possessing just a water bottle. Further interviews with the victim revealed that Cortez had allegedly engaged in sexual intercourse with her multiple times and confined her to the closet during her time with him. The victim required medical attention for intoxication and being under the influence of alcohol.
Cortez, during the interrogation, acknowledged owning the storage closet but denied any sexual wrongdoing, asserting that the girl had locked herself inside upon police arrival. Nonetheless, authorities have charged him with multiple serious offenses, including the sexual assault of a child, kidnapping, and indecency with a child involving contact.
The investigation into this disturbing case highlighted the connection between Cortez and the girl, as it turned out that he was aware of her age, reinforcing the seriousness of the allegations against him. The details emerged from an affidavit related to the criminal inquiry initiated by the police.
This incident sheds light on the grave issue of child safety and the importance of community vigilance in safeguarding vulnerable individuals. The quick efforts by the San Antonio Police Department, combined with the assistance from the victim’s friends and mother, played a vital role in locating the missing girl and ensuring she was brought to safety.
Authorities are now continuing their investigation as the legal process unfolds against Cortez, who remains in custody awaiting further judicial proceedings. The case underscores the critical need for awareness and preventive measures when it comes to the protection of minors in the community.
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Additional Resources
- KENS5: Missing Teen Girl Found
- Wikipedia: Child Safety
- News4SanAntonio: Missing Child
- Google Search: Child Kidnapping San Antonio
- KSAT: Man Charged with Assault
- Google Scholar: Child Abduction Cases
- FOX7Austin: Missing in Texas
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Protection
- KENS5: SAPD Searching Missing Woman
- Google News: Missing Teen San Antonio
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
