MOUNT VERNON, Texas - A 60-year-old fugitive living under a stolen identity in the Midwest has been captured and returned to Texas to face charges stemming from the sexual assault of a child more than 25 years ago. Adrian Villalon Hernandez was arrested in Iowa on Wednesday following an exhaustive cross-country digital manhunt.
Hernandez faces three felony counts of Indecency with a Child in Franklin County, Texas.
A Cold Case Revived
The investigation was launched in February 2025 when an adult survivor walked into the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. She disclosed to detectives that she had been sexually assaulted as a child in November 2000.
During that initial interview, the survivor provided a crucial piece of information: the suspect was actively using an alias on social media platforms and was believed to have fled Texas decades prior.
The case was handed to Investigator Randal Lain, who initiated a deep-dive forensic audit of historical records, public utilities, and digital footprints. Through extensive research, Investigator Lain discovered that Hernandez had successfully inverted his name to "Reynaldo Hernandez Villalon," used the alias to secure a fraudulent Minnesota driver's license, and was currently hiding out in the small rural community of Kanawha, Iowa.
The Multi-State Takedown
Franklin County authorities contacted the Wright County Sheriff's Office in Iowa, providing them with the suspect's suspected coordinates. Local Iowa deputies conducted field surveillance and positively verified Hernandez's identity.
To ensure a swift arrest before the suspect could flee again, Texas Department of Public Safety Colonel Freeman Martin authorized state aircraft support. On Wednesday, May 20, 2026, Investigator Lain and Texas Ranger David Stewart flew directly to Iowa, coordinated with local tactical units, and took Hernandez into custody without incident.
Hernandez was booked into the Wright County Jail in Clarion, Iowa, where he is being held without bond while awaiting formal extradition back to Northeast Texas.
More Survivors Step Forward
Franklin County Sheriff Ricky Jones stated that the arrest has already altered the scope of the investigation. Since Hernandez’s capture was made public, additional local victims have come forward to report separate, historical abuse allegations against him.
Sheriff Jones praised the relentless work of his lead detective and issued a direct appeal to the community:
"The Franklin County Sheriff's Office remains fully committed to protecting our residents, standing with survivors, and pursuing justice no matter how much time has passed. If you are a victim of abuse, we encourage you to come forward. You will be heard, and we will take action."
