Undocumented immigrant arrested on sex charges

BENTON, Mo. -- A man who had been living in Sikeston, Mo., as an undocumented immigrant has been arrested following a sex-crime investigation.

Bibiano Sarmiento-Merino, 28, is charged with one count of first-degree sexual misconduct and one count of second-degree child molestation, both Class A misdemeanors, according to a news release from the Scott County Sheriff's Department.

The sheriff's office began an investigation after receiving information that Sarmiento-Merino had sexual contact with a minor in mid-February. Authorities said during the investigation Sarmiento-Merino admitted to the crimes.

It also was discovered that Sarmiento-Merin, was an undocumented immigrant from Mexico. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials have been notified of Sarmiento-Merino's status, the release said.

Capt. Kenneth Kinder of the Scott County Sheriff's Department said Sarmiento-Merino will stand trial in Scott County for his charges, each carrying a maximum of one year in jail.

If he is convicted, Sarmiento-Merino will serve his sentence and then be placed in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He could face deportation or be released with conditions, Kinder said.

Pertinent address:

131 S. New Madrid St., Benton, MO