The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has arrested a man for a violent sexual assault that occurred in Texas in 2004.
In April 2023, the Texas Rangers and San Marcos Police Department requested HCSO's assistance obtaining a DNA sample from Ricardo Rodriguez, 41. Forensic genealogy indicated that Rodriguez's DNA profile contained a possible link found on the victim from a cold case in San Marcos, Texas.
Detectives in HCSO's Special Victims Section obtained two DNA samples from Rodriguez that positively linked Rodriguez to the DNA profile collected in 2004.
With a warrant from the San Marcos Police Department, HCSO detectives arrested Rodriguez on Monday, September 25, 2023. He has been charged with Two Counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault and was transported to the Orient Road Jail.
"The vigilance of both the San Marcos Police Department and the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has exposed this predator, preventing him from hiding in the shadows any longer," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "I hope the victim can begin healing knowing that the man who committed this gruesome crime is behind bars."
The investigation is ongoing. For additional details on the initial crime, please reach out to the San Marcos Police Department.