Undercover Operation in Ocklawaha Leads to Arrest in Child Exploitation Case
Danhlelo Sanchez-Jose was arrested by Marion County deputies on January 31, 2025, on charges of human trafficking, lewd or lascivious exhibition, and lewd or lascivious molestation. The charges stem from allegations that he sexually abused a 14-year-old girl in Ocklawaha after luring her into his vehicle.
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred the evening prior when Sanchez-Jose approached the victim in a red pickup truck near SE 182nd Avenue Road. After coercing her into the vehicle, the suspect allegedly committed multiple sexual acts before paying her $40 and allowing her to leave.
Many details from the arrest affidavit have been omitted from this report due to their graphic and disturbing nature.
Detectives later identified the suspect’s vehicle through surveillance footage and set up an undercover operation in the same area. Sanchez-Jose was arrested after returning to the location and attempting to engage with an undercover officer posing as the victim.
The suspect is being held in the Marion County Jail without bond.
