Orange County girl kidnapped, assaulted; Suspect captured in Guatemala

Authorities have captured an Anaheim man in Guatemala who is accused of kidnapping and repeatedly raping a 13-year-old Orange County girl late last year, officials announced Wednesday.

Brian Estuardo Verbena-Martinez, 34, a registered sex offender, was taken into custody following a multi-agency international investigation involving the FBI, local law enforcement agencies and Guatemalan authorities, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.

Investigators allege that on Dec. 5, 2025, Verbena-Martinez drove alongside a 13-year-old girl who was walking on a street in Westminster and asked if she needed a ride. Authorities say he became increasingly aggressive until the girl entered his vehicle…

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