The Marion County Sheriff’s Office has transferred custody of 19-year-old Damien Perez to agents with the Department of Homeland Security, according to Sheriff Jason Sandholdt.

Perez is facing multiple charges stemming from a suspicious person investigation that started on April 16th and led to a sexual abuse in the 3rd degree charge in rural Marion County. Perez was originally arrested on weapons violations and the Sexual Abuse in the 3rd Degree charge. The case involved a 12-year-old female who Perez, a native of Fayetteville, Arkansas contacted over the internet. Sandholdt stated, “The decision was made to pursue Federal Charges on this individual due to the nature of the crime.” Sheriff Sandholdt went on to praise the work of the first responding Deputies. “Deputies Nick Gilchrist and Isaac Short did a great job digging into the initial call. When Perez’s story was not adding up, they made contact with a juvenile female’s parents who lived in the area where they continued the investigation. During this conversation it was discovered that there was inappropriate contact with the 12 year female.” Deputy Troy Bouma was then called to assist with the investigation. Sheriff Sandholdt went on to say, “Deputy Bouma did a fabulous job interviewing both the suspect and the victim during this investigation. Cases like these are very difficult and time consuming but we want individuals who commit these types of crimes to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law and to receive the most severe sentencing they can possibly get. Federal prosecution will ensure this.”