An arrest in the sexual assault that First State Update first told you about last year was announced on Saturday.
County Police announced today the arrest of 21-year-old Nehemiah Garcia “of Cape Coral, Florida”, in connection with the rape of a child under the age of 12 last year. Police said Garcia was apprehended on Saturday, in North Philadelphia by the U.S. Marshals Task Force, in collaboration with the FBI Baltimore Division’s Wilmington Resident Agency, FBI Philadelphia, and the Philadelphia Police Department.
The investigation began on June 26, 2024, when officers from the New Castle County Division of Police responded to the unit block of Chestnut Street following a report of a sexual assault involving a young child. Detectives from the Criminal Investigation Unit identified Garcia as the suspect and issued a warrant for his arrest on charges of first-degree rape. Officials believed that Garcia had ties to the Philadelphia area they said last year.
As part of the investigation, surveillance footage was reviewed, capturing a person of interest entering the Hanby Outdoor Center, located at 35 Chestnut Street. The YMCA, which operates the center, informed parents via email that an unidentified male, unaffiliated with the organization, had entered the premises and assaulted a child visiting with their family the day after the incident.
Weeks after the incident officials said the FBI Philadelphia Division issued warrants for Garcia’s arrest and offered a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to his capture. After months of investigation and public assistance, law enforcement successfully tracked Garcia’s whereabouts to North Philadelphia, where he was taken into custody without incident.
Following his arrest, Garcia was transported to the Philadelphia Police Department’s Northeast Division, where he is currently being held. Authorities are coordinating efforts for his extradition to Delaware, where he will face formal charges.
The New Castle County Division of Police continues to investigate the case and is seeking additional information from the public. Detective Adam Holubinka is the lead investigator and can be reached at [email protected] or 302-395-8254 for anyone who may have relevant information.