Jailed Las Cruces man suspected of being serial child rapist across NM, Texas

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico -- A 53-year-old man jailed in Las Cruces for the sexual assault of a teenager is believed to be a serial attacker and likely has more rape victims across southern New Mexico and west Texas, police said Friday.

Carlos Ovalle of Las Cruces was being held in the Dona Ana County Detention Facility on felony charges of criminal sexual penetration and criminal sexual contact involving a minor after his girlfriend allegedly caught him sexually assaulting a 15-year-old boy.

Investigators said the boy told them Ovalle had been sexually abusing him since the age of six.

In a statement announcing his arrest, Las Cruces police said that "over the last several years, Ovalle has either lived or spent time visiting relatives in three west Texas cities: Odessa, Midland and Big Spring. Investigators have reason to believe Ovalle may have victimized children or teenagers in those cities, as well."

Detectives said they had already found two other victims in the Las Cruces area and additional charges will be filed against Ovalle for those cases.

Authorities asked that anyone who is a victim, or knows of a potential victim, to call Las Cruces police at (575) 526-0795.