After a five-day trial, a Palm Beach County jury convicted Santo Martinez Varela of four counts of sexual battery (victim age 12-17), lewd or lascivious molestation, and false imprisonment.

The evidence presented at trial revealed that Martinez Varela violently attacked a 13-year-old girl who was a stranger to him. Taking the witness stand, the victim bravely testified about the attack along a bicycle trail near Greenacres on the evening of January 2, 2025.

The case was investigated by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Victoria Thacker and Nicole Corring of our Special Victims Unit.

Following the verdict, the court declared Martinez Varela a sexual predator.  Sentencing is set for June 26.