WILMINGTON, Delaware (WPVI) — The FBI has released the name of a suspect wanted for the rape of an 8-year-old at a YMCA in Wilmington, Delaware.
Federal investigators say 21-year-old Nehemiah Billie J’Len Garcia is still on the run.
Pictured: Photos of Nehemiah Garcia
He has ties to both Philadelphia and Cape Coral, Florida.
Investigators say the assault happened June 13 at the Hanby Outdoor Center on the unit block of Chestnut Street.
According to investigators, Garcia lured the child into the showers near the pool, where they were held against their will and assaulted.
“There’s no excuse for that, just an evil person,” commented Charles Culbreth from Northeast Philadelphia.
“It’s an awful crime,” another resident told Action News. “I hope that they catch this predator soon.”
At the time, the YMCA sent the following statement on the incident:
“We are deeply troubled and saddened by the incident that occurred at the Hanby Outdoor Center last night. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and child affected. The safety and well-being of our members and the community remain our highest priority, and we are fully cooperating with authorities as they continue their search and investigation.”
It’s still unclear whether Garcia was a member of the YMCA community.
The FBI is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for tips leading to Garcia’s arrest.
“They need to find this person because if he’s done this to that person then he can do it to someone else,” said Mary Lott from Claymont.
New Castle County police confirmed Tuesday that the U.S. Marshals and other law enforcement agencies were searching for Garcia, but did not say where.
Arrest warrants have been issued for Garcia for rape, crimes against a minor, and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.
Residents are hoping the suspect is caught quickly and justice is served.
“Anybody that does that to an 8-year-old child gets no mercy from me,” said Cluberth.
Action News reached out to the YMCA for comment on Tuesday but did not hear back.
Anyone with information on his location is urged to call their local FBI office.
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