Idaho: Previously deported Mexican national charged with repeated sexual assault of young child

OAN Staff Brooke Mallory 5:11 PM – Saturday, August 1, 2026 A previously deported Mexican national is facing multiple felony charges in Idaho following allegations of repeated sexual abuse involving a young child over a span of five years, state and federal law enforcement authorities confirmed. The suspect, identified as 48-year-old Jose Oliver Mendoza-Colindres, was taken into custody after an investigation led by local law enforcement revealed a pattern of abuse that began when the victim was just 3-years-old. The exact relationship between Mendoza-Colindres and the victim has not been publicly disclosed by law enforcement or in charging documents. The investigation unfolded after deputies from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office attended a forensic interview at a child care center in Pocatello. During the disclosure interview, the underage victim detailed multiple instances of sexual abuse purportedly committed by Mendoza-Colindres between the ages of 3 and 8. “I’m showing you my love,” Mendoza-Colindres reportedly told the young child during the abuse. According to Border Hawk, in 2020, the victim’s father even caught him sexually abusing his child during a party. “A physical altercation involving the child’s mother ensued,” the outlet noted. “Court documents state the victim’s parents did not report the incident because they were unsure if the victim would remember the incident at her age and did not want to traumatize her. In addition, documents state the victim’s parents were concerned about the victim’s father’s immigration status,” according to East Idaho News. Following the victim’s account and subsequent preliminary findings, law enforcement moved swiftly to arrest the suspect. Mendoza-Colindres has since been formally charged in Idaho state court with one count of sexual abuse of a minor under the age of 16 and two counts of lewd conduct with a minor under the age of 16. According to records released by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Mendoza-Colindres has a history of illegal entries into the United States. Federal records suggest that he first entered the U.S. illegally through Texas in 2002 and was formally deported back to Mexico. However, Mendoza-Colindres later re-entered the country unlawfully near California in 2007 and remained in the U.S. undetected until his recent arrest in Idaho. On July 26th, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged an immigration detainer with Idaho detention authorities, formally requesting that state officials hold Mendoza-Colindres and notify federal agents prior to any potential release. DHS officials emphasized that since local jurisdictions in Idaho actively cooperate with federal immigration detainers, ICE intends to assume custody of the suspect to pursue deportation proceedings once state criminal charges and any resulting judicial sentences are fully resolved. Mendoza-Colindres remains in custody awaiting further court proceedings on his state felony charges. Stay informed! Receive breaking news alerts directly to your inbox for free. Subscribe here. https://www.oann.com/alerts What do YOU think? Click here to jump to the comments! Sponsored Content Below