A Louisiana man, identified as an illegal immigrant from Honduras, has pleaded guilty to the heinous crime of raping and impregnating his 12-year-old relative, as confirmed by federal officials to Fox News on Wednesday.

Jose Lopez-Montoya, 41, who has been referred to in local reports as a “Lake Charles man,” now faces a potential sentence of up to 99 years in prison for the repeated abuse of the young girl.

The Department of Homeland Security revealed that Lopez-Montoya is a Honduran national who illegally entered the United States back in 2011 during the Obama administration. His case has drawn significant attention, with the agency emphasizing their commitment to preventing such individuals from remaining within American communities.

“Once again, the media is providing cover for a criminal illegal alien,” expressed a representative from DHS. “This individual has pleaded guilty to incest, having raped and impregnated his 12-year-old relative. ICE is actively collaborating with our partners in Louisiana to ensure this dangerous individual does not pose a threat to our communities again.”

This statement highlights the agency’s determination to address and rectify such severe breaches of legal and moral conduct.

The young victim gave birth in July 2024, and Lopez-Montoya confessed to being the father of the child, according to reports from KPLC.

Authorities said the abuse took place over a two-year period while Lopez-Montoya served as the girl’s guardian.

Lopez-Montoya was arrested on two counts of first-degree rape and is also subject to an immigration detainer.

He pleaded guilty this week to aggravated crimes against nature by incest and faces 25 to 99 years in prison, according to KPLC. 

His sentencing is scheduled for April 28.