Persistent investigative work led to the indictment and arrest of an adult male who allegedly sexually assaulted three children over a period of time from 2017 to 2020. Today, around Noon, detectives apprehended 47-year-old Pedro Barrera in Lakewood at his workplace. He was booked on three counts of child rape, six counts of aggravated sexual battery, and one count of continuous sexual abuse of a child.
Detectives continued to investigate and develop evidence since the first assault was reported in 2017 and remained committed to the investigation. Through their continued efforts, two additional victims were discovered. One victim was assaulted at the LC Apartment community on Providence Parkway, and the two other victims were assaulted at the Glass Creek Apartment community on Old Pleasant Grove Road. The suspect was a resident at those apartment communities when the assaults occurred, and the female victims’ ages ranged from 7 to 8 years old.
“Our detectives continued commitment for justice and courage of the victims led to enough information for an indictment.,” stated Chief James Hambrick. “We are so grateful for the victim’s courage, and we are going to do everything we can to ensure those who harm our community, especially those who harm children, are held accountable.”
If anyone has any information about the suspect or anything related to this investigation, they are urged to call the Mt. Juliet Police Department at (615) 754-2550. Information can also be given anonymously by calling (615) 754-TIPS (8477) or via the Mt. Juliet Police Department website at http://www.mjpd.org/.
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