34-year-old, Noe Garces, was arrested Tuesday after Brownsville police was notified that he was allegedly having an inappropriate relationship with a 13-year-old girl.
Family Crisis Center Executive Director Brenda Heredia told Action 4 News these types of crimes are on the rise.
“I want to make sure people don't think it's a cultural thing confined to the Hispanic community, it's in all cultures" said Heredia.
Police said during the investigation, the 34-year-old admitted that the teen was his girlfriend and the teen also referred to Garces as her boyfriend.
"Often times the girl will say yeah, I consented,” said Heredia. “He didnt' do anything wrong he didn't force himself on me she has no right to give consent"
Heredia said even when the family of a minor consents to them having a relationship with an adul, it's still a violation of the law.
"A child is a child,” said Heredia. “The parents sometimes give consent for the girl to be going out with them but it doesn't matter, the law is very clear on that."
Garces was charged with one count of indecency with a child and police said the case is still under investigation.
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