Published on March 20, 2025
West Palm Beach Police Department Announces Arrest in Sexual Assault Investigation
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (March 20, 2025) -- The West Palm Beach Police Department today announced the arrest of a suspect in connection with a sexual battery investigation.
On Sunday, October 13, 2024, officers responded to a report of a sexual battery. The victim reported being assaulted multiple times over several days at an apartment complex located along the 2200 block of North Australian Avenue.
Following an investigation, detectives identified the suspect as 54-year-old Carlos E. Cruz, a maintenance worker at the apartment complex. Days later, investigators learned that Cruz had been placed on administrative leave and was no longer allowed on the property. Detectives later obtained a warrant for a DNA sample, which was submitted into evidence.
Based on the findings of the investigation and evidence collected, probable cause was established for Cruz’s arrest. On Wednesday, March 19, 2025, Cruz was taken into custody and charged with four counts of sexual battery under F.S.S. 794.011(5B).
Case no.: 20240016440
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Rachel Leitao Public Information Officer pdpio@wpb.org