Man Accused of Abducting, Sexually Assaulting Pregnant Woman
By: Mark Hiller
Updated: March 30, 2012
Hazleton Police Chief Frank DeAndrea held a news conference Friday morning revealing that the victim was treated and released and that her unborn baby survived. The chief credits Detective Joseph Labert and Patrolman David Rodick for piecing together a previous incident on Monday morning which eventually led them to Cortes. "(We) responded to an address on Shaft Road here in the city to investigate a report of an Hispanic male in a blue four-door Ford sedan following an Hispanic female," said Ptl. Rodick. That victim's husband was able to get a license plate number. "Getting that plate was extremely important that that gentleman provided us. That was able to give us a location of 719 East Diamond Avenue," said Det. Labert. Police showed up at Cortes' house on Thursday and arrested him.
Hazleton residents like Barbara Nahay can take comfort knowing that a man whom police describe as dangerous is off the streets. "I think our police force is doing a fine job. I mean they have a hell of a job and I would not want to be a cop today."
Cortes is jailed on $150,000 straight cash bail. Hazleton police say his arrest was also made possible by cooperation with state police and the Luzerne County District Attorney's office. Meanwhile, investigators want to know if there are other possible victims out there who might be connected to Cortes. Potential victims are urged to call Luzerne County 911 with any information.
