A 19-year-old female told one of her friends that for the past 10 years, she had been molested by a family acquaintance. The friend, who was concerned for her safety, notified the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office.
The 19-year-old female victim was interviewed regarding the case, and she alleged since she was 9-years-old a family acquaintance had repeatedly sexually molested and assaulted her. The suspect was identified as Luis Ramirez, age 51, of Florence. Ramirez was alleged to have molested and sexually assaulted the victim numerous times during the past 10 years. The last sexual conduct occurred one month prior. Ramirez attempted to sexually assault the female again this month, but she refused and he became very upset.
The victim said she hasn’t come forward with the information to family, friends or law enforcement because she felt nobody would believe her.
While the case was being investigated by a PCSO Sex Crimes Detective, the mother of the victim confronted Ramirez regarding the allegations. The mother told him she wanted to shoot him because of what he did to her daughter, and Ramirez told her that she would be justified if she did. The mother told Ramirez to leave and never to contact her family again.
On Thursday, March 6th, 2014, Luis Ramirez was arrested by detectives. During the investigation, Ramirez made admissions which confirmed some of the victim’s allegations. He was booked into the Pinal County Jail for Child Molestation, Sexual Abuse and Sexual Conduct with a Minor.
Sheriff Paul Babeu stated, “Victims of sex crimes often don’t come forward out of shame, fear and because they don’t feel anybody would believe them. This victim found the strength and courage to come forward and report the years of sexual abuse she had to endure as a child. Thanks to her strength and courage, Luis Ramirez is behind bars where he belongs. The sooner victims report crimes, the quicker we can do our job and put the suspects behind bars.”