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Polk County Deputies Arrest Honduran Man in Mulberry Home Attack

Suspect Axel Antonio Espinal Herrera, 24, faces charges including sexual battery and kidnapping, with ICE placing a detainer on him due to his immigration status.

  • Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announced the arrest of 24-year-old Axel Antonio Espinal-Herrera of Honduras following the sexual assault of a 77-year-old woman in her Mulberry home over the weekend.
  • Investigators said the victim was woken around 4 a.m. by an "unknown man" who entered her bedroom, forced her out of her clothing, and sexually battered her before she attempted to flee.
  • Detectives canvassed the neighborhood and found three men in a nearby home; one matched the victim's description, and investigators discovered scratches on Espinal-Herrera consistent with her account.
  • Espinal-Herrera faces charges including kidnapping and sexual battery with a one-degree enhancement due to illegal status; PCSO placed ICE holds on two other men from Honduras found at the residence.
  • Detectives obtained a search warrant for swabbings and photos from Espinal-Herrera, while The Polk County Sheriff continues the investigation into the incident.
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lakelandgazette.info broke the news on Monday, August 31, 2026.
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