Man arrested in San Luis in the rape of a child in Surprise

Surprise police traveled to a small, southwestern Arizona city in late November to capture a man suspected of raping a child in Surprise.

Detectives, with the help of San Luis officers, found and arrested Carlos Pillado, 21, who has been booked on three counts of sexual abuse and three counts of child molestation, according to San Luis authorities.

Pillado, of San Luis and a former Surprise resident, also was booked in connection with drug violations and violating probation, said Detective Aaron Douglas, a Maricopa County Sheriff's Office spokesman.

He is being held in jail with no bond.

San Luis police Sgt. Gerardo Torres said Surprise detectives contacted the San Luis Police Department on Nov. 20, inquiring about Pillado.

After police confirmed his residence, Surprise police came to the city in Yuma County on Nov. 24 and arrested Pillado without incident. He was brought back to San Luis police headquarters, where he was questioned.

Pillado also reportedly admitted to Surprise police that he had raped and molested a girl in San Luis, Torres said. Police have not confirmed the incident.

"We are waiting for Surprise (police) to be finished with their case (first,)" Torres said.

Surprise police Sgt. Mark Ortega, a police spokesman, could not comment on the incident.

"It's at a crucial point," Ortega said. "(If we) release it at our end, we can jeopardize (the case) all together."

Ortega on Tuesday said more alleged victims have yet to be interviewed, but he expects the last phase of the investigation will be wrapped up today.The Maricopa County Attorney's Office also was unable to comment on the case. Spokesman Mike Scerbo said prosecutors also anticipate releasing more information today.

Carlos Pillado