(ANGOLA) - A Pendleton contractor has been charged in Steuben County after investigators alleged he sexually assaulted a 14-year-old employee at a Lake Gage job site.
The Herald Republican reports 40-year-old Mynor O. Esquite was arrested Friday. Court records filed Monday show he is charged with Level 4 felony child molestation.
According to court documents, the investigation began after a complaint was filed with the Fort Wayne Police Department on July 16, 2024.
Investigators allege the victim was working for Esquite's Ymendez Drywall company at a mobile home in the Highview Campground area on Lake Gage. The affidavit states the alleged assault occurred after work was completed at the property.
Court documents further allege Esquite set up a cell phone before the encounter and told the victim the interaction would be recorded.
Three days later, Steuben County Sheriff's deputies searched the mobile home. Investigators reported finding fresh drywall compound inside, and a neighboring resident identified Esquite as the contractor working at the location.
Court documents also state DNA evidence collected during a sexual assault examination was analyzed in January 2025. Investigators reported the results identified Esquite and the juvenile victim as the only contributors to the DNA profile.
If convicted, Esquite faces up to 12 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
A jury trial is scheduled for Dec. 17.