Man Arrested; Reportedly Gave Child STD

NACODOCHES � The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Jose Ignacio Lopez, 19, of Nacogdoches for aggravated sexual assault of a child after he allegedly infected the child with a sexually transmitted disease. KETK reports that the investigation began on October 13, when the mother of the victim reportedly noticed that something was wrong with her child. The child was then taken to the hospital for medical treatment. Sheriff Jason Bridges was notified and was called to the hospital for an investigation. Bridges later stated that as a result of the assault, the child contracted a sexually transmitted disease from the suspect and is receiving medical attention for the disease.

Investigators set up a forensic exam and interview with the victim at the Harold House and gained probably cause for the arrest warrant of Lopez, who officials say was babysitting the child at the time of the assault. Lopez was arrested Thursday. Bridges is having a blood test conducted on the suspect as well, and officials say more charges will be filed when the results of the test are received for alleged endangerment of the child due to the sexually transmitted disease. Lopez was booked into Nacogdoches County Jail.