A MAN ACCUSED of kidnapping a 13-year-old girl in Westminster and sexually assaulting her faces life in prison without parole (Shutterstock).

The man accused of kidnapping a 13-year-old girl off the street in Westminster, raping her repeatedly and then fleeing to Guatemala has been returned to Orange County where – if convicted on all charges – he faces the possibility of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

According to the Orange County District Attorney, Brian Estuardo Verbena-Martinez, 34, of Anaheim was located, arrested and extradited back to California through the combined efforts of local police agencies, the FBI, U.S. Department of Justice and Guatemalan officials.

On Dec. 5, 2025, he allegedly drove up next to the young girl walking in Westminster and coerced her into getting her into his car.

He’s accused of sexually assaulting her in multiple locations, including several parking lots and in his apartment before dropping her off at her friend’s home in Garden Grove.

Verbena-Martinez has been charged with one felony count of kidnapping to commit a sex offense, one felony count of forcible rape, one felony count of sexual penetration of a child under 14 years of age by force, one felony count of forcible oral copulation with a minor under the age of 14 years old, and three felony counts of lewd acts upon a child under 14.

Westminster Police Chief Darin Lenyi said, “Our message is clear: If you commit a serious crime in our city, you will be pursued and held accountable. We will work hand in hand with our law enforcement partners to find you, no matter where you go, and bring you to justice.”