Juan Jose Bernal-Ramirez Arrested; – The Asheville Police Department has announced that it is seeking a suspect linked to a sexual assault cold case from 2016.
The department indicated that the case, which was initially reported in 2016, had gone unsolved until new evidence emerged, prompting a reopening of the investigation. Detectives from the Family Justice Center took charge of the case and subsequently filed charges after consulting with the Buncombe County District Attorney’s Office.
Authorities have identified the suspect as 62-year-old Juan Jose Bernal-Ramirez, a man with one leg who is able to walk normally using a prosthesis. He is described as standing five feet five inches tall and weighing 220 pounds, with black hair, brown eyes, and a notable scar on his right forearm. Bernal-Ramirez faces charges including first-degree statutory sex offense and two counts of indecent liberties with a minor.
The Asheville Police Department has praised the courageous survivor who came forward, allowing investigators to revisit and ultimately address this case. Officials are urging anyone with further information regarding Bernal-Ramirez’s location to reach out to the Asheville Police Department at 828-252-1110.
