Raymundo Juan Reyes Cornelio, a 19-year-old Davidson County resident, has been arrested and charged with rape of a child following an extensive investigation that began when a 12-year-old girl gave birth and subsequently disclosed to authorities that she had engaged in a sexual encounter with Cornelio, whom she met on Facebook last year when she was just 11 years old, according to the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD).

The Investigation Unfolds

The case first came to light when the victim, now 12, revealed to authorities that she had been involved in a sexual encounter with an adult male she met through Facebook in May 2024. At the time of the alleged incident, the victim was only 11 years old, placing this case in the most serious category of child sexual abuse cases handled by Nashville authorities.

Upon receiving this information, child protective services immediately referred the case to the MNPD’s specialized Youth Services Division, which maintains dedicated resources for investigating crimes related to the sexual exploitation and abuse of minors. The division, comprised of specially trained detectives with expertise in handling sensitive cases involving children, quickly launched a comprehensive investigation.

Detective Maria Hernandez, lead investigator on the case, explained that the division follows strict protocols designed to minimize additional trauma to young victims while gathering crucial evidence. “In cases involving minors, especially those of such a young age, our primary concern is always the well-being of the child while ensuring we build a solid case against perpetrators,” Hernandez stated in a press briefing held Saturday morning, though she declined to comment specifically on this ongoing investigation.

## Digital Trail Leads to Suspect

Using detailed information provided by the victim during forensic interviews conducted by trained child specialists, investigators obtained a search warrant for the suspect’s Facebook account. The digital investigation yielded critical evidence, including both the name and telephone number of the individual later identified as Raymundo Juan Reyes Cornelio.

The digital footprint became a crucial component of the investigation, with technological forensics specialists from the MNPD’s Cyber Crimes Unit assisting in the collection and preservation of electronic evidence. Sources familiar with the investigation indicate that the evidence includes conversation logs, timestamps, and location data that proved instrumental in establishing a timeline of events leading up to the alleged criminal act.

## Identifying the Suspect

While investigators had established a digital connection to the suspect, confirming his physical identity required additional police work. A breakthrough came when authorities discovered that Cornelio had been stopped on March 1, 2025, for a window tint violation on his vehicle that exceeded Tennessee’s legal limit of 35% for front side windows.

During that routine traffic stop, conducted by Officer James Wilson of the MNPD’s Traffic Division, Cornelio was cited for driving without a license. The citation, entered into the department’s database, included his residential address in Davidson County. This information subsequently assisted detectives in locating Cornelio once they had established him as a suspect in the child rape case.

“This case exemplifies how routine police work, like traffic enforcement, can sometimes intersect with more serious criminal investigations,” noted MNPD Captain Robert Johnson, who oversees the department’s investigative divisions. “Our officers are trained to document all encounters thoroughly because that information often proves valuable in unexpected ways.”

## Arrest and Confession

Following weeks of careful investigation and surveillance, detectives from the Youth Services Division, assisted by patrol officers, took Cornelio into custody without incident on Friday, April 11, 2025. The arrest occurred at approximately 6:15 AM at his residence in the eastern part of Davidson County.

During a subsequent interview with investigators at MNPD headquarters, Cornelio reportedly admitted to having sexual contact with the victim after initially denying any inappropriate relationship. According to police reports, he acknowledged that the encounter occurred in late May 2024, when the girl was 11 years old.

Cornelio claimed, however, that he believed the girl was 14 at the time of their interaction—an assertion that investigators are treating with skepticism given the victim’s physical appearance and the nature of their online communications. Under Tennessee law, this defense bears little legal weight, as the age of consent in the state is 18 years old, with limited exceptions for individuals close in age that would not apply in this case.

“In Tennessee, as in most states, ignorance or mistaken belief about a victim’s age is not a viable defense in cases involving sexual offenses against minors,” explained Davidson County Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Martinez, who specializes in prosecuting crimes against children. “The law places the burden entirely on adults to ensure they are not engaging in sexual activity with minors, regardless of circumstances.”

## Birth Confirms Crime’s Severity

The investigation took on additional urgency when authorities learned that the victim had given birth to a baby boy on February 14, 2025, at Nashville General Hospital. Medical personnel, who are mandated reporters under Tennessee law, immediately notified the Department of Children’s Services upon determining the mother’s age.

Dr. Sarah Johnson, Director of Obstetrics at Nashville General Hospital (speaking generally about hospital protocols rather than this specific case due to privacy laws), explained that pregnancies involving extremely young mothers are always treated as potential criminal matters. “When we encounter pregnancies in children under 16, and especially under 13, we have strict reporting protocols in place. These cases represent both medical concerns and potential crimes that require immediate intervention by appropriate authorities.”

The birth provided investigators with critical biological evidence. Though authorities have not confirmed whether DNA testing has been conducted, standard procedure in such cases typically includes establishing paternity through genetic testing to strengthen the prosecution’s case.

Child welfare specialists have emphasized the profound physical and psychological risks associated with pregnancies at such a young age. Dr. Rebecca Chen, a pediatric psychologist specializing in trauma, noted that children who experience sexual abuse and early pregnancy face numerous challenges.

“The impact of sexual abuse on a child is profound and far-reaching,” Dr. Chen explained. “When that abuse results in pregnancy, the trauma is compounded. These young victims must contend with physical changes their bodies aren’t prepared for, emotional upheaval, disruption to their education and social development, and the enormous responsibility of a child being born—all while processing their own victimization.”

## Legal Proceedings and Charges

Cornelio has been formally charged with rape of a child, a Class A felony in Tennessee that carries a potential sentence of 15 to 60 years in prison and a minimum fine of $50,000. He is currently being held at the Davidson County Metro Jail on a $75,000 bond.

Court records indicate that Cornelio was assigned a public defender during his initial court appearance on Saturday morning. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for April 25, 2025, where prosecutors will present evidence to establish probable cause for the case to proceed to the grand jury.

District Attorney Glenn Reynolds announced in a written statement that his office is considering additional charges as the investigation continues. These could potentially include statutory rape, sexual exploitation of a minor, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

“Our office takes crimes against children with the utmost seriousness,” the statement read. “We will pursue justice vigorously and seek appropriate consequences that reflect the gravity of these offenses and the devastating impact they have on young victims.”

## Immigration Status Questions

Though authorities have not officially commented on Cornelio’s immigration status, sources close to the investigation indicate that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has placed a detainer on him, suggesting he may be in the country without proper documentation. This administrative request asks local law enforcement to notify ICE before releasing an individual, allowing federal authorities to take custody.

Tennessee state law requires local law enforcement agencies to comply with ICE detainers. However, the criminal case will proceed through the state judicial system regardless of immigration status, with any potential deportation proceedings occurring only after any criminal sentence has been served.

## The Role of Social Media in Child Exploitation

This case has reignited concerns about the role of social media platforms in facilitating contact between potential predators and minors. According to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC).