Man Arrested In FL For 2004 Sexual Assault In Texas: HCSO

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — A man was arrested in Hillsborough County and charged this week in connection with a nearly 20-year-old sexual assault in Texas, according to authorities.

Ricardo Rodriguez, 41, address unknown, was arrested Monday and charged with two counts of aggravated sexual assault in connection with a 2004 cold case in San Marcos, Texas, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a release.

According to authorities, the Texas Rangers and San Marcos Police Department requested assistance from Hillsborough County authorities in April to obtain a DNA sample from Rodriguez. Authorities said forensic testing revealed that Rodriguez's DNA profile contained a possible link found on the victim in San Marcos.

According to authorities, detectives with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office obtained two samples from Rodriguez that positively linked him to the case.

Following his arrest, Rodriguez was taken to Orient Road Jail, authorities said. It's unclear if Rodriguez will be extradited to Texas for prosecution.

"The vigilance of both the San Marcos Police Department and the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has exposed this predator, preventing him from hiding in the shadows any longer," Chronister said in a statement. "I hope the victim can begin healing knowing that the man who committed this gruesome crime is behind bars."

The investigation is ongoing.