FRANKLIN, Ind. – A federal detention facility is currently housing an undocumented immigrant accused of sexually assaulting a child in Johnson County.
Manuel Ortega, a 24-year-old undocumented immigrant residing in Indianapolis, faced felony charges for sexual misconduct with a minor in Johnson County court last week, and now has been arrested and detained without bond by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
In November 2024, an investigation was launched against Ortega after a juvenile victim reported the allegations. Court filings reveal that Franklin police were tipped in November of last year about Ortega’s alleged sexual assault of the child, which reportedly occurred in May or June of 2024. It is claimed that Ortega entered the child’s room, disrobed, and got into bed with the victim.
Last Wednesday, a probable cause affidavit was submitted in Johnson County Circuit Court, leading to charges of Level 4 Felony sexual misconduct against Ortega. An initial hearing took place on Monday before Judge Andrew Roesener. The Johnson County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that Ortega is an undocumented immigrant, resulting in his detention by ICE without bond in a federal facility.
This story will be updated as more information is made available.
