2 undocumented immigrants arrested, detained by ICE after 14-year-old girl sexually assaulted in Houston area

(From left to right): Gary Morales-Alarcon and David Rey Santoyo-Penaranda. (Copyright 2025 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.)

HOUSTON – Two undocumented immigrants were arrested in Montgomery County for the sexual assault of a child in March, according to detectives with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit.

The investigation began after a 14-year-old girl made an outcry that she was being sexually assaulted by David Rey Santoyo-Penaranda, officials said.

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During the investigation, Santoyo-Penaranda confessed to detectives to the sexual assaults. Detectives were able to locate physical evidence, and Santoyo-Penaranda was arrested and charged with sexual assault of a child, which is a second-degree felony.

During forensic interviews conducted at Children’s Safe Harbor, the victim also disclosed additional instances of sexual abuse by Gary Morales-Alarcon.

Following further evidence collection, an arrest warrant was issued for Morales-Alarcon for the sexual assault of a child.

Both Santoyo-Penaranda and Morales-Alarcon are in the United States illegally, according to investigators.

Upon their arrest, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was notified, and ICE detainers were issued for both suspects.


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Award-winning journalist, mother, YouTuber, social media guru, millennial, mentor, storyteller, University of Houston alumna and Houston-native.

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