YCSO Arrests Rapist

On August 17, 2023, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office detectives responded to the report of a sexual assault in the Mayer area. A 47-year-old victim explained to detectives that she was offered and accepted a ride by a male subject who was driving a large water truck and dressed in construction apparel. The man then brandished a firearm threatening the victim, who was asked to guide the suspect to a remote area.

Once in that remote area, the suspect sexually assaulted the victim, and then let her go.  When the victim returned home, she immediately called the Sheriff’s Office, and detectives were able to obtain DNA samples from the assault. The victim provided a thorough description of the male suspect, who was later identified through a national DNA database as 36-year-old Brian Jacob Hernandez of Mesa, Arizona.

Once the DNA information was confirmed, and the suspect located, YCSO detectives along with Mesa P.D.’s SWAT Team executed a search warrant on Brian Hernandez’ residence on Thursday April 12, 2024.  Evidence related to the August 17 sexual assault was found during a search of Brian Hernandez’ vehicle and residence, and he was taken into custody charged with Sexual Assault, Kidnapping and Aggravated Assault.  Brian Hernandez was transported back to Yavapai County and booked into the Camp Verde Jail.

Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office is still seeking any information from the public regarding Hernandez.  The suspect has been seen in the areas of Northern Arizona and around the Phoenix Metro areas of Scottsdale and Mesa since 2017. He has been involved in highway construction type work and has identified himself as a truck driver.

Brian Jacob Hernandez is described as a Hispanic Male, approximately 5’7” tall, brown eyes, balding on top, with a dark brown beard. He has a heavyset build and is around 215lbs. He has been known to drive large construction type trucks or his personal 2017 Black Ford F-150 Pick Up, which is lifted with large offroad tires.

Anyone with more information on Brian Hernandez’ is encouraged to call the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office detectives at 928-771-3260.