From HPD Facebook: Detectives learned that Fernandez had adopted multiple children in Uruguay and brought several with him to the United States. According to multiple interviews with various victims both locally and abroad, Fernandez physically and sexually abused and exploited children under his control. In June of 2019, HPD and HSI detectives traveled to Florida where they interviewed and arrested Fernandez. He was then extradited to Virginia.
On March 18, 2022, after a two-day trial in Rockingham County Circuit Court, a jury found Alvaro Fernandez guilty of all 19 felony charges. Fernandez was found guilty of 16 counts of aggravated sexual battery of a child under the age of 13 and three counts of sodomy of a child under the age of 13. He is in custody at the Rockingham County Jail as he awaits sentencing in July.
Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Alycia Eldridge asked the jury for justice for the victim. “I hope that this verdict is inspiring for victims to see that justice can happen even after so much time and that it is never too late to come forward,” Eldridge said after the verdict.
Virginia law does not have a statute of limitations for felony prosecutions. Victims are encouraged to report crimes to police and to seek counseling and advocacy services. Locally, victims can contact the Collins Center and Child Advocacy Center at 540-434-2272.