North Palm Beach Today

A 25-year-old illegal immigrant from Guatemala has been arrested and charged with sexually abusing a 5-year-old girl in her family’s home in Palm Beach County.

Nicolas Jose Francisco was arrested on Jan. 2, 2025, and charged with two counts of sexual battery on a victim under the age of 12.

According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO), Francisco had worked for the family for more than a year and is accused of touching the victim inappropriately on two occasions.

The abuse was reported after the child was interviewed by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) on Dec. 13, 2024. During the interview, the girl reportedly described how during the first incident, Francisco called her into the garage, where he touched her inappropriately.

According to the victim, the second incident took place in the bathroom, where Francisco exposed himself and touched the girl again.

The child became visibly upset during the interview and began to cry, according to PBSO.

Francisco was also interviewed by PBSO and initially denied the allegations, claiming he had touched the girl "by mistake." He also suggested the accusations were fabricated due to his immigration status.

Following his arrest, a user on X (formerly Twitter) commented, "Pray for the young girl and her family who’ve been victimized by this illegal. Mass deportations start in 16 days."

Deputies said Francisco later "apologized and admitted his behavior and actions were wrong."

He was booked into the Palm Beach County Jail without bond as he awaits his next court appearance.