Dominican Soldier Accused of Raping Haitian Girl During Immigration Operation Faces Arrest

Authorities in the Dominican Republic have issued an arrest order for a Dominican soldier, Paulino de la Cruz, who is accused of raping a 14-year-old Haitian girl. The incident occurred while the soldier was part of a group of 15 members of the Dominican Air Force assisting immigration inspectors in searching for immigrants near the upscale resort town of Punta Cana.

Search Operation Turned Tragic

The soldier's alleged crime occurred in an area called Verón, where many Haitian migrants have made their home. Shockingly, the young girl's mother was not present at home when the incident took place, and she subsequently filed a complaint with the Prosecutor’s Office for Victims of Gender, Domestic Violence and Sexual Crimes.

Identification and Legal Ramifications

The authorities have called in the soldiers who participated in the immigration operation to allow the victim to identify the perpetrator. The victim identified the suspect "in a clear and precise manner," according to official documents. If the soldier is found guilty of rape, he could face a prison sentence ranging from 10 to 20 years.

Respecting the Victim's Privacy

For the privacy of the victim and her family, the AP is refraining from disclosing the identity of the girl’s mother.