Mexican Citizen Accused of Central Maine Sexual Assault

A man from Mexico, who reportedly overstayed his VISA, has been charged in connection with an alleged sexual assault that happened in Hallowell over the weekend.

According to an article in the KJ, 33-year-old Zuniga Balderas, who police say goes by the name Javier, stands accused of assaulting the 25-year-old woman on Front Street in Hallowell just before 1 AM on Saturday morning.

The article explains that the incident happened outside a new closed bar on Front Street in Hallowell.

Hallowell Police Chief Christopher Giles says he has been charged with one count of  Class A gross sexual assault and one count of Class C unlawful sexual contact.

Balderas is currently being held without bail on the criminal charges.  On top of that, federal officials are also keeping him on what’s called a “no release status” tied to an immigration violation.

Balderas reportedly had a license from Georgia and had been working in Maine as a roofer.

As of Monday, request that the KJ had sent to both U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection for more details, including what the violation involved and whether removal proceedings are expected, haven’t been answered.

*NOTE - All suspects are considered innocent until being found guilty in a court of law

NOTE - If you, or someone you know, has been the victim of sexual violence, there is help available.  Please call 1-800-871-7741 for free and confidential help 24 hours a day.

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