Manual Alexander Escobar

A Lehigh Acres couple is accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a woman.

On July 17, detectives with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office responded to the East District substation in reference to a kidnapping, according to officials. The investigation revealed sexual assault and more.

On July 5, the victim got into an argument with Manual Alexander Escobar, 32, of 1216 Truman Ave. The next day, Escobar showed up at her residence and beat her. He then took the victim to his home.

From July 6-17, she was held hostage while being sexually assaulted and beaten by Escobar.

Escobar’s girlfriend – Talhia Ortiz, 23, also of 1216 Truman Ave. – took part in the abuse that occurred while the victim was being held against her will, according to LCSO officials.

Talhia Ortiz

On July 18, Escobar and Ortiz were taken into custody and booked at the Lee County Jail.

Escobar is charged with two counts of sexual assault sexual battery 18 years or older by person 18 years or older, as well as one count each of kidnap inflict bodily harm or terrorize victim or other, aggravated battery offender knew should have known victim pregnant, commit domestic battery by strangulation, aggravated assault with deadly weapon without intent to kill and obstructing justice tampering in felony first-degree proceeding.

Ortiz is charged with two counts of sexual assault sexual battery 18 years or older by person 18 years or older and one count of kidnap inflict bodily harm or terrorize victim or other.

As of today, both remain in custody at the jail.

Escobar is being held on $300,000 bond, and Ortiz is being held on $200,000 bond.

They both have court appearances set for Aug. 21, according to records.