Child Predator Caught Abroad Faces Justice After Escape

Clear Facts

• Brian Estuardo Verbena-Martinez, a registered sex offender, is accused of kidnapping and repeatedly assaulting a 13-year-old girl in Orange County, California.
• Verbena-Martinez was arrested in Guatemala after a joint operation involving the FBI and the U.S. Department of Justice.
• If convicted of all charges, Verbena-Martinez faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Law enforcement tracked down and arrested Brian Estuardo Verbena-Martinez in Guatemala after he allegedly abducted and assaulted a 13-year-old girl in California.

Authorities coordinated with federal and international agencies to ensure his apprehension and are working to bring him back to the U.S. for prosecution.

Prosecutors allege Verbena-Martinez approached the victim on December 5, 2025 and coerced her into his vehicle before committing multiple assaults.

They say he dropped her off at a friend’s home in Garden Grove after several hours of abuse.

Officials confirmed that Verbena-Martinez was identified thanks to continued work between Westminster police, the FBI, and other federal entities.

He now faces multiple felony charges, including kidnapping and forcible rape of a minor under 14.

His previous conviction as a sex offender dates back to 2019, when he was found guilty of arranging to meet a minor for sexual conduct in Los Angeles County.

“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.

Federal officials reaffirmed their commitment to cooperating with state and local law enforcement to capture offenders attempting to flee abroad.

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