DADE CITY, Fla. — The Pasco Sheriff’s Office has arrested 24-year-old Yobany “Jose” Barahona on two counts of Capital Sexual Battery involving a minor under 12 years of age, following a swift investigation and 16-hour manhunt. Barahona, identified as an illegal immigrant, was taken into custody on February 21, 2025, after allegedly assaulting a 9-year-old girl on the evening of February 20.
The incident occurred at a residence where Barahona was alone with the minor. According to the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, the victim’s father discovered the assault in progress upon returning home and confronted Barahona, who then fled the scene after apologizing. The father promptly notified the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, triggering an immediate response.
Deputies, in collaboration with Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, launched a 16-hour search for the suspect. Earlier that day, the sheriff’s office had issued a public alert to help locate Barahona, describing him as a 24-year-old Hispanic male, approximately 5’6” tall and 140 lbs., last seen wearing a white hoodie, gray sweatpants, and black Crocs in the Decker Lane area of Darby on February 20. By the afternoon of February 21, authorities apprehended Barahona in the same area, ending the manhunt.
Sheriff Chris Nocco confirmed Barahona’s arrest during a news conference, noting that the suspect faces additional charges, including a third-degree felony for illegal reentry as an unauthorized alien, enabled by recent Florida legislation signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis. Nocco revealed that Barahona had previously been removed from the country, underscoring his status as a “criminal illegal alien.” The sheriff emphasized that the second count of sexual battery relates to a prior incident involving the same victim.
The victim is now safe and receiving support from victims’ advocates, according to the sheriff’s office. Authorities believe this to be an isolated incident with no ongoing threat to public safety. However, they are encouraging anyone who may have been a victim or has relevant information to contact the PSO Crime Tips Line at 1-800-706-2488 or submit tips online at PascoSheriff.com/tips.