San Benito Minister Named Fugitive Amid Sexual Abuse Investigation

By Daisy Barrera
Valley Central
April 26, 2013

http://www.valleycentral.com/news/story.aspx?id=889934#.UXz2QsqFnKc

[with video]

Authorities are searching for a San Benito minister who is now considered a fugitive amid an ongoing sexual abuse investigation.

San Benito police are asking for the public's help in finding sexual abuse suspect Edwin Talavera.

Investigators told Action 4 News that Talavera was a minister at a storefront church that recently closed off East Stenger Street.

Talavera is facing six sexual abuse charges after being accused of sexually abusing two girls under the age 14 years old.

San Benito police already arrested 34-year-old Norma Alicia Rodriguez in connection to the case.

Investigators said she knew about the sexual abuse and did not report it.

Rodriguez is facing two counts of failure to report child abuse.

San Benito police said Talavera is originally from Honduras and may be hiding out in the Brownsville area.

Both the U.S. Marshals and U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are helping the search.

Talavera is wanted on aggravated sexual assault, indecency with a child and continuous sexual abuse of a child charges.

Anyone with information about Talavera's whereabouts is asked to call the San Benito Police Department at (956) 361-3880.