Man faces rape charge after Meridian police work ‘diligently’ to identify him
After a weeks-long investigation, officers with the Meridian Police Department arrested a 25-year-old man for allegedly raping a woman.
Erik Carrasco Benitez, of Meridian, was arrested Tuesday and booked into the Ada County Jail on a rape charge, according to a police news release. He could face at least a year in prison, and up to life, if he’s convicted of the felony.
The woman, who didn’t know Carrasco Benitez, flagged down an officer on July 5 — the night of the alleged sexual assault — and an investigation “began immediately,” spokesperson Jordan Robinson told the Idaho Statesman. The 24 days before Carrasco Benitez’s arrest “reflect the time required to complete a thorough and fact-based investigation,” which is essential to ensure accountability and a successful prosecution, she said in an email.
“Detectives worked diligently to identify the individual responsible,” Robinson said. “This included conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and following up on multiple leads to confirm the suspect’s identity.”
Carrasco Benitez’s next hearing is 8:30 a.m. Aug. 8, according to online court records.
