Springfield man accused of impregnating a 12-year-old girl

A Springfield man is accused of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl and making her pregnant.

Brayanne Escobar Guarnizo is facing federal charges of sexual exploitation of a minor. He was booked into the Greene County Jail on Sunday, October 6.

According to the affidavit, a Greene County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a home in Springfield on September 22 in reference to a previous sex offense. It was reported that the couple’s 12-year-old daughter had sexual intercourse with 28-year-old Escobar Guarnizo in late August. The minor victim had taken a pregnancy test which showed she was pregnant.

The victim told investigators that Escobar Guarnizo had sent her messages and audio files to her phone. The victim’s mother gave officers permission to search the phone.

Investigators found numerous messages to and from Escobar Guarnizo and the victim, according to the affidavit. Many were sexual in nature, with Escobar Guarnizo requesting the victim to send him nude photos and videos.

The victim told investigators that Escobar Guarnizo allegedly told her that he no longer loved his wife and was only in a relationship with her because of his children. The victim told investigators that her family knew Escobar Guarnizo from when they lived in Colombia and that her family helped Escobar Guarnizo come to the United States.

According to the affidavit, the detective was contacted again by the victim’s family on October 1. They stated that Escobar Guarnizo contacted them and asked them for money so he could flee the country.

Jackie Rehwald

Jackie Rehwald is a reporter at the Springfield Daily Citizen. She covers public safety, the courts, homelessness, domestic violence and other social issues. Her office line is 417-837-3659. More from Jackie Rehwald