A local man has been arrested for sexually abusing and trafficking a young girl under the age of 16 — and law enforcement are searching for his alleged partner, who may be in the Houston area.

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Kayla Vincent said detectives received a report in July from the Children’s Safe Harbor Advocacy Center in reference to the abuse of the child.

The victim said the abuse, which started in 2021, was conducted by a family member Alejandra Ibarra, 31, and Gustavo Ramblas, 46. She said the pair were sexually abusing her while they were living in Calcasieu Parish, Vincent said.

“It was discovered Ibarra encouraged the victim to be sexually active with Ramblas, telling her he would take care of her and give her money,” Vincent said.  “The victim also disclosed on several occasions Ibarra and Ramblas would give her narcotics before sexually assaulting her.”

Vincent said the sexual and physical abuse continued through April, when Ramblas was arrested by the Lake Charles Police Department for an unrelated incident.

After further investigation, Judge Michael Canaday issued a warrant on Oct. 31 in the amount of $2,150,000 (each) for the arrest of Ibarra and Ramblas.  They are both charged with first-degree rape; cruelty to juveniles; and human trafficking for sexual purposes.

Ramblas, who was incarcerated at the Pine Prairie ICE processing center since his arrest in April, was transported and booked in to the Calcasieu Correctional Center on Tuesday. Detectives have attempted to locate Ibarra but have been unsuccessful and believe she is evading arrest and may possibly be in the Houston area.  If anyone knows her whereabouts or has additional information related to this case they are asked to call CPSO at 337-491-3605.

“This is one of those cases that is really disturbing,” Sheriff Tony Mancuso said.  “The abuse this child disclosed in her interviews was horrendous, and no individual, especially a child, should have to endure those things; and at the hands of family members.”

CPSO Special Victims Unit Detective Cory Myers is the lead investigator on this case.