A 21-year-old man is facing multiple felony charges after deputies say he broke into a Palm Beach County woman’s home through a bedroom window late at night and sexually assaulted her inside her own residence. Elmer Hernandez Lopez was arrested on Sept. 28 following an investigation that authorities say uncovered blood, hair and personal items linking him to the scene.
Deputies Detail a Break-In Through an Unlocked Window
According to WPBF 25, investigators say Hernandez Lopez arrived at the victim’s residence late at night and first tried opening doors and windows before making his way inside. The victim told deputies he entered through an unlocked bedroom window, then grabbed her and prevented her from leaving, per the station’s report.
The woman suffered injuries and later underwent a sexual assault examination at a local hospital, authorities said. Investigators say they recovered blood, hair and personal items believed to belong to Hernandez Lopez at the scene — physical evidence that can become central to proving forced entry in cases where a prior relationship between accuser and accused complicates questions of consent, as outlined by Eric Matheny Law.
Witnesses and a History of Unwanted Contact
Witnesses reportedly saw Hernandez Lopez at the residence and identified him based on prior interactions, per the same account. An affidavit indicates the victim and Hernandez Lopez were previously in a relationship, and witnesses told investigators the woman had reported ongoing unwanted contact and stalking behavior after that relationship ended.
Detectives determined there was probable cause to arrest Hernandez Lopez, and he now faces sexual battery, burglary with assault or battery, battery by strangulation, false imprisonment and simple battery. He was booked into the Palm Beach County jail, the same detention facility that has processed other recent felony arrestees, including a man jailed after a Facebook threat earlier this month.
What the Charges Could Mean Under Florida Law
Under Florida Statute § 810.02, burglary becomes a first-degree felony punishable by up to life in prison when assault or battery occurs in the course of committing the burglary offense, according to Law Firm Ocala. Separately, sexual battery is addressed under Florida Statute § 794.011, as discussed by George Law…