The Athens Police Department received a report regarding a sexual assault of a 16-year-old female May 9. The News Courier does not disclose the names of alleged victims of sexual assaults without consent.

According to APD, Oscar Ariel Duarte Rodriguez, 36, was quickly developed as the offender. Soon after the investigation began and as detectives began to locate Rodriguez, Det. Melissa Meadows received information that Rodriguez had fled to New York.

On June 27, Meadows discovered Rodriguez had relocated to Putman County, New York. With the assistance of the Putman County Sheriff’s Office, Rodriguez was taken into custody. On July 16, the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office arranged to have Rodriguez extradited to Alabama.

Rodriguez was arrested and booked in for one count of Rape in the First Degree.

At this time, Rodriguez is held without bond at the Limestone County Jail, pending an Aniah’s Law hearing.

The Athens Police Department thanked the Putman County Sheriff’s Office and the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance.