Colombian national sentenced to 25 years for raping, impregnating 12-year-old girl in Missouri

Colombian Immigrant Sentenced to 25 Years in Missouri for Rape and Child Exploitation

In a court proceeding held in Greene County, Missouri, a Colombian national named Brayanne Escobar‑Guarnizo was sentenced to 300 months—25 years—in federal prison for raping, impregnating and sexually exploiting a 12‑year‑old girl. The case, which involved investigations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and local law‑enforcement partners, highlighted the seriousness with which authorities are treating crimes committed by illegal immigrants.

Arrest and Investigation

Escobar‑Guarnizo was taken into custody by the Greene County Sheriff’s Office in September 2024 after a report surfaced alleging that he had fathered a child with a minor. Subsequent inquiries uncovered a trove of photographs and text messages that prosecutors said illustrated the defendant’s repeated sexual advances toward the child, including requests for nude photos and videos. The evidence also pointed to an alleged production of child pornography, leading to an initial charge on that basis.

The investigation was led by ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) team, working closely with Missouri state police and local agencies. DHS officials confirmed that the investigation uncovered the material that connected Escobar‑Guarnizo to the sexual crimes and the child’s pregnancy.

Plea and Charges

In August 2025, Escobar‑Guarnizo entered a plea of guilty to the charge of sexual exploitation of a minor. The plea also addressed the earlier charge of producing child pornography. The plea agreement concluded that the defendant had indeed raped and impregnated a 12‑year‑old girl, a crime that carries a mandatory minimum sentence.

Sentence

On Monday, a federal judge in Greene County sentenced Escobar‑Guarnizo to 300 months—equivalent to 25 years—in prison. The judge cited the defendant’s criminal history, the severity of the offenses, and the victim’s age and vulnerability in arriving at the sentence.

DHS Response

DHS Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis released a statement praising the sentence. “This dirtbag was charged with production of child pornography and sexual exploitation of a minor after he raped and impregnated a 12‑year‑old girl,” Bis wrote. She added, “Thanks to the investigative work of ICE officers and our state and local partners, this child predator has now been sentenced to 25 years behind bars.” In the same statement, Bis criticized the Biden administration’s immigration policies, asserting that the defendant had “never” been allowed into the United States. She also referenced Under Secretary Mullin’s commitment to targeting criminal illegal aliens.

Background on the Defendant

According to DHS records, Escobar‑Guarnizo illegally entered the United States in 2023. Although the source article initially identifies him as Colombian, other reports have linked him to Honduras; the exact country of origin remains unclear. Regardless of nationality, DHS confirmed that the defendant is an illegal alien and that his offenses were committed in the United States.

Legal Context

The sentence reflects the federal law’s mandatory minimum for sexual exploitation of a minor. Under 18 U.S.C. § 2258A, a first‑time offender who rapes a child under 13 can face a minimum of 15 years, while a repeat offender faces a minimum of 25 years. The court’s decision aligns with those statutory requirements.

The case also underscores the broader policy debate over immigration and criminality. While critics argue that the case should have been handled solely by state courts, DHS officials emphasize that federal jurisdiction was appropriate due to the defendant’s illegal status and the cross‑border implications of his crimes.

Aftermath

The 12‑year‑old victim is reported to be in the care of state protective services. Her mother has expressed gratitude toward law‑enforcement agencies for ensuring the defendant’s swift arrest and sentencing. Meanwhile, local law‑enforcement officials continue to monitor the area for any additional threats to community safety.

As the case moves through the federal prison system, officials will oversee the defendant’s confinement and any potential parole hearings. The sentencing of Escobar‑Guarnizo may serve as a deterrent to other illegal immigrants who might consider committing similar offenses.

This report is based on statements from the DHS, ICE, and local law‑enforcement agencies, and on the court documents filed in Greene County, Missouri.