CAPE CORAL, FL — A suspect wanted in connection with a child sexual battery investigation from December 2022 has been located and taken into custody following a coordinated international law enforcement effort led by the Cape Coral Police Department’s Special Victims Unit and federal authorities.
On December 19, 2022, Cape Coral Police officers responded to a report regarding an incident that occurred two days prior at an apartment in Cape Coral. Detectives assigned to the Special Victims Unit immediately launched a thorough investigation into allegations that a male suspect, Jesus Leon Leyva DOB 05/28/1984, exposed himself and committed sexual battery against a juvenile victim. Following the incident, Jesus Leon Leyva fled the local area in an attempt to evade law enforcement, prompting a multi-agency manhunt.
After investigators with the U.S. Marshals Service Florida/Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force – Fort Myers office developed information indicating Jesus Leon Leyva was in Mexico, they coordinated with the USMS Office of International Operations – Mexico Foreign Field Office and Mexican authorities to locate and apprehend him.
Jesus Leon Leyva is currently being held In Harris County, TX awaiting extradition to Lee County, FL. Jesus Leon Leyva is charged with F.S.S. 794.011(2a)-Sexual Battery on a Child.
The Cape Coral Police Department extends its sincere gratitude to the U.S. Marshals Service, its regional fugitive task force, international field offices, and Mexican authorities for their steadfast dedication and relentless collaboration in bringing this fugitive to justice.
The investigation remains ongoing.
