Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- A southeast Minnesota wanted for an alleged sexual assault of an underaged girl may have left the country. 

See Also: Teen Girl Reports Being Raped at Rochester Park, Suspect Charged 

That’s according to an arrest warrant filed in Olmsted County Court earlier this week. The alleged sexual assault occurred between May and June of last year in Oronoco and was reported to law enforcement in October. 

The warrant complaint says the victim is under the age of 16. She told law enforcement she met her alleged assailant on Facebook. 

Dan Kitwood, Getty Images
Dan Kitwood, Getty Images
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Dodge Center Man, MN Wanted for Sexual Assault of Underaged Girl He Met Via Facebook

The charges say 24-year-old Jose Luis Cruz Ortega sent the victim a friend request in late May and that the two began messaging. Cruz Ortega knew the girl was underage and where she lived, according to a warrant. 

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The victim and suspect saw each other at a Rochester event and the Dodge Center man went to the girl’s home the next day while her family was out of town.  

Cruz Ortega then made sexual advances on the girl and sexually assaulted her in the home. He told the girl he would hurt her family if she told anyone what had happened, the warrant alleges. 

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, resources are available for help. Visit the RAINN website (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network) or dial 800-656-HOPE (800-656-4673).

The two briefly messaged on Facebook after the alleged sexual assault before the victim blocked Cruz Ortega and told her mother what had happened, the court document says. 

Law enforcement tried to track down Cruz Ortega and learned he had been kicked out of his residence and was believed to have moved to Mexico. 

Cruz Ortega is charged with one count each of third-degree criminal sexual conduct and fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct. The court filing says Cruz Ortega is unlikely to appear for a summons since he is reported to be living in Mexico.

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