Carlos Aguilar Reynoso Immigrant Who Entered U.S. in 2021 is Indicted For R*ping a Five-Year-Old Girl

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced the indictment and arraignment of Carlos Aguilar Reynoso on Monday, following a violent assault on a five-year-old child in Brentwood. Reynoso, a 27-year-old Guatemalan national, faces multiple felony charges including predatory sexual assault against a child and first-degree rape.

The incident occurred on February 1, 2026, while Reynoso was reportedly babysitting the victim. Medical examinations at a specialized hospital revealed the child suffered life-threatening internal injuries that required immediate emergency surgery to address the physical trauma inflicted during the attack.

The case has drawn significant national attention due to Reynoso’s immigration status and the legal hurdles faced by local law enforcement during the investigation. Reynoso reportedly entered the United States illegally in 2021 and was residing in a jurisdiction governed by New York’s sanctuary and bail reform policies.

Initially arrested on February 2 for endangering the welfare of a child, Reynoso faced a $100,000 bail release under state reform laws. To ensure he remained in custody, the District Attorney’s office coordinated with federal authorities to transfer him into the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Investigators utilized DNA evidence recovered during a specialized forensic examination to link Reynoso to the crime while he was being held in federal custody. He was returned to Suffolk County on Monday via a writ of habeas corpus to face the upgraded felony charges.

Acting Supreme Court Justice Karen M. Wilutis ordered Reynoso held without bail at the Suffolk County Correctional Facility. The prosecution highlights a growing conflict between state-level protections for immigrants and federal enforcement priorities under President Donald Trump’s administration.

District Attorney Tierney criticized existing state legislation, such as the Protect Our Courts Act, arguing that such laws hinder local officials' ability to detain unvetted individuals. Supporters of current state laws maintain these policies are necessary to ensure residents feel safe interacting with the justice system.

The severity of the Brentwood assault has fueled renewed calls for legislative reform in Albany regarding public safety protocols. Reynoso is scheduled to return to court on April 27, 2026, and faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted.