NewsFOX 13 Tampa BayAugust 31, 2026Hillsborough
Polk County Sheriff's Office arrests Axel Antonio Espinal Herrera for sexual battery and home invasion
Axel Antonio Espinal Herrera, 24, was arrested by the Polk County Sheriff's Office on charges of sexual battery and home invasion involving a 77-year-old victim. The suspect is currently subject to an ICE hold due to his immigration status, which deputies state has resulted in a one-degree enhancement of his criminal charges.
Read the full story at FOX 13 Tampa BayWhy It Matters
The arrest highlights a local criminal investigation involving a violent crime and the subsequent application of federal immigration holds on the suspect and two other individuals found at the scene.
Key Facts
- Axel Antonio Espinal Herrera, 24, was arrested for sexual battery and home invasion.
- The victim is a 77-year-old woman residing in Mulberry.
- The incident occurred at approximately 4 a.m. on Saturday.
- The suspect is subject to an ICE hold.
- Criminal charges against the suspect carry a one-degree enhancement due to his immigration status.
- Two other individuals found at the suspect's location were also identified as being in the country illegally and are subject to ICE holds.
- The suspect was found in possession of cocaine.
- Physical evidence, including scratches on the suspect and clothing matching the victim's description, was recovered by investigators.
Who's Mentioned
other24“Age of the suspect.”locationMulberry“Location of the incident.”other77“Age of the victim.”organizationICE“Federal agency that placed holds on the suspect and two other individuals.”organizationPolk County Sheriff's Office“Law enforcement agency conducting the investigation and arrest.”personAxel Antonio Espinal Herrera“Suspect arrested for sexual battery and home invasion.”