Hillsborough County Man Arrested on Charges of Molesting Minor
TAMPA, FL – A Hillsborough County man has been arrested and charged with a serious felony involving the molestation of a minor. Edy Danilo Hernandez Lopez, 28, was taken into custody by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office on January 18, 2026, and remains detained without bond.
Incident and Arrest Details
According to arrest records, Hernandez Lopez was booked on a charge of “Lewd or Lascivious Molestation,” with the defendant being over the age of 18 and the victim between the ages of 12 and 15. The suspect, listed as 5’05” and 170 lbs, was processed at the Hillsborough County jail. As of the latest reports, his bond is listed as $0.00, which typically indicates a denial of bond due to the severity of the flight risk, a violation of probation, or an external hold such as an immigration detainer.
Contextual Analysis
While the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has not issued a specific press release detailing the suspect’s immigration status, the case has drawn attention from observers tracking crimes involving non-citizens. This interest highlights the broader operational context in Hillsborough County. As of February 2025, the HCSO operates under a 287(g) Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This agreement deputizes designated local deputies to perform certain immigration enforcement functions within the jail, including screening inmates for immigration status and honoring ICE detainers. The “zero bond” status seen in Hernandez Lopez’s file is often consistent with cases where such a detainer has been placed, effectively preventing release even if a monetary bond were set for the criminal charge.
Background on Charges
In Florida, Lewd or Lascivious Molestation is a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison. The charge specifically targets acts where the offender exploits a position of age or authority over a victim under 16. Hillsborough County authorities have maintained a strict stance on crimes against children, often pursuing maximum penalties and collaborating with federal partners when applicable to ensure public safety.
Legal Defense and Process
It is important to note that an arrest is not evidence of guilt. Hernandez Lopez is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Defense attorneys in similar cases typically argue for the presumption of innocence and may challenge the credibility of witness statements or the procedures used during the investigation. Furthermore, regarding any potential immigration hold, legal counsel often argues that local charges should be resolved on their merits independent of federal administrative requests. Hernandez Lopez is entitled to legal representation and a trial to contest the allegations brought against him.
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