A San Antonio deputy is behind bars after police say he repeatedly molested a 4-year-old girl, then threatened her mother with deportation if she reported him.

Star-Telegram reports 47-year-old Jose Nunez was arrested on Sunday and charged with super aggravated sexual assault. According to Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar, Nunez is a detention officer with Bexar County and the young girl is the suspect’s family member. On Saturday, the little girl reportedly told her mother that Nunez had been touching her inappropriately, prompting the mother to confront Nunez.

After the confrontation, Nunez allegedly told the mother that he if she talked to police, he’d turn her in for deportation, since she’s in the country illegally. Undeterred, the mother contacted police regardless, and indicated that her daughter said the suspect touched her in a way that “caused pain and at least some indication of minor injury.”

“This suspect utilized that to place the mother in fear that she would be deported if she did report it,” Salazar said during a media briefing. “That’s always a concern in the undocumented community.”

Salazar’s office is currently working with the little girl’s mother to help her get the proper documentation to stay in the country.

The suspect is a 10-year veteran with the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office. Salazar said Nunez is currently on paid administrative leave while detective continue to investigate the incident. Salazar is hoping to have him terminated as soon as possible, pending the outcome of the investigation.

Detectives believe that the abuse against the little girl happened for months and that there are likely other victims out there.

“The details of the case are quite frankly heartbreaking, disturbing, disgusting and infuriating all at the same time,” Salazar added.

If convicted, Nunez faces 25 years in prison. Check back with CrimeOnline as additional details become available.

[Feature Photo: Jose Nunez/Bexar County Sheriff’s Office]