Arrest Warrant Issued in Aggravated Sexual Assault Probe

TYLER – Smith County authorities have issued an arrest warrant in an aggravated sexual assault investigation. On Thursday, Smith County Sheriff’s Patrol units were dispatched to the ETMC Emergency Room in reference to an assault family violence at 9132 Nelray in Tyler. On arrival deputies contacted the victim, who stated that she had been beaten, held against her will, and sexually assaulted at a residence located in the 9100 block of Nelray. Sheriff’s detectives were called to ETMC, where the victim was further interviewed. The victim also had a two-month-old child with her that she reported as being used as manipulation during the assault. A SANE Exam of the victim was completed at ETMC.

According to officials, the suspect is identified as Francisco Antonio Marquez Baldazo, 26. Officials say Baldazo uses an alias of Francisco Marcos. Detectives and patrol units went to the location of the assault in an attempt to locate Baldazo. The house was cleared with no one located at the residence. Officers secured the residence and applied for and obtained a search warrant for the home. A search was completed by detectives and items were located within the home that corroborated statements from the victim, according to authorities.

7th State District Judge Kerry Russell set bond at $1,000,000. Sheriff’s Detectives are seeking the public’s help in locating Marquez Baldazo. If you have information as to his whereabouts, you’re asked to contact the Smith County Sheriff’s Office at (903) 566-6600 or your local law enforcement agency.