Man Charged With Kidnapping And Molesting Girl On Horseback

Dona Ana County, NM – A man is in jail after allegedly molesting a girl he kidnapped.

Investigators say 58-year-old Jose Medina kidnapped a 12-year-old girl on Tuesday, July 24 and forced her to ride on horseback with him.

According to them, the girl saw Medina riding a horse in front of her residence. She approached Medina, toldhim he had a nice horse, and started to pet the animal. At this point, Medina got off the horse and told her if she wanted to go for a ride.

The girl refused Medina’s offer but was forced to get on the horse. She managed to get off but Medina pulled her back onto the horse,investigators say.

The victim told police she pleaded with Medina to let her off the horse but he only continued to make it run faster. During this period, Medina allegedly touched the girl inappropriately in her “private areas,” she said.

Investigators say Medina allegedly attempted to place his hands underneath her clothing but she pushed his hands away. As he was doing this, he kept asking her is she liked being touched in those areas. The victim was able to jump off the horse when it slowed down and ran back to her home.

Medina is being charged with second degree kidnapping and Criminal Sexual Contact of a Minor in the third degree. He is currently being held at the Dona Ana County Detention Center and his bond has been set at $35,000.