Gaston Co. Police capture accused child predator in local apartment complex

GASTON CO., N.C. – Gaston County Police have arrested a man wanted for allegedly sexually assaulting a child. Officers say 24-year-old Jose Martel-Arriaga was caught at a Gaston County apartment complex last week.

He’s facing dozens of charges out of Chatham County, including 40 counts of first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and nine counts of indecent liberties.

Martel-Arriaga is also wanted by ICE for allegedly failing to appear for deportation proceedings. He’s being held behind bars without bond.