Leesburg Man Sexually Assaulted Missing Child, Misled Cops: Police

LEESBURG, VA — A Leesburg man sexually assaulted a missing child, hid the child from authorities, and misled investigators earlier this year, the Leesburg Police Department said.

Authorities said the missing child was eventually recovered safely. Police officials did not provide any additional information about the age or gender of the victim

The police department identified the man as 20-year-old Brandon Estrada De Leon, a 20-year-old from Leesburg. He is charged with three counts of rape, one count of abduction, and one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

If convicted of all charges, Estrada De Leon could spend the rest of his life in prison, based on Virginia's sentencing guidelines. He is currently being held without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center.

The victim originally left their home of their own accord earlier this year, the Leesburg Police Department said in a report. After the child was recovered safely, investigators determined that Estrada De Leon had hid the victim from police and misled authorities about their location.

Authorities also determined that Estrada De Leon already knew the victim and had sexaully assaulted them multiple times over the past year.

The National Sexual Violence Resource Center can provide information about reporting and coping with sexual abuse. Their website also features training materials and tips to prevent sexual abuse. The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network operates a 24/7 hotline for victims of sexual assault. The hotline can be reached at 1-800-656-4673.