Illegal Immigrant Arrested After DNA Links Him to Five Sexual Assault Cases in Indianapolis

A man identified as an undocumented immigrant has been arrested in Indianapolis on allegations of being a serial rapist. Leonel Catalán-Torreblanca, 51, was apprehended in April after his DNA matched with evidence collected in five different s—-- assault investigations.

The assaults took place between 2013 and 2024 on Indianapolis’ north side. However, the suspect remained at large for years because the DNA did not match any profile in the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) database.

According to authorities, Catalán-Torreblanca’s DNA information was not a part of the database, as he had earlier only been arrested for a misdemeanor DUI charge. But the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently conducted a raid in connection with his undocumented status.

ICE officials collected a DNA swab from Catalán-Torreblanca and entered his record into CODIS. The Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency analyzed the DNA and found it matched the profiles from the s—-- assault cases. On April 22, the FBI identified Catalán-Torreblanca as the suspect.

He was taken into custody the following day from a relative’s home. Authorities allege he is linked to five r— investigations. The first two incidents occurred at Ashton Brook Apartments in March 2013 and June 2015, followed by cases at Carlyle Court Apartments in September 2016 and the 9000 block of Guilford Avenue in October 2016.

On January 24, 2024, police responded to The Lodge at Trails Edge complex, where a woman reported that a Hispanic male, wearing black clothes, gloves, and a mask, barged into her room at midnight and assaulted her multiple times.

According to the victim’s complaint, the man dragged her into the bathroom while she tried to escape. He left the place hours later. Investigators collected DNA evidence after the victim’s medical exam, but were not able to track the suspect down at the time.

Catalán-Torreblanca is now facing a total of 30 felony charges. These include r—, s—-- battery, burglary, kidnapping, criminal confinement, and attempted r—. The accused made his first court appearance on April 27 and is currently in jail.

Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said, “We are talking about a significant level of punishment that is potentially out there based on the charges that are filed today.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Tim O’Malley confirmed that Catalán-Torreblanca is an illegal immigrant but said authorities have not determined his country of origin. O’Malley’s official statement read, “This arrest is a clear reminder that advances in DNA technology and the FBI CODIS database are powerful tools in identifying and apprehending violent offenders.”

Kendale Adams, deputy chief of investigations at the Indianapolis Metro Police Department, also confirmed the arrest and said, “We recognize all that these victims endured, and I hope this arrest sends a clear message — IMPD will continue to work relentlessly to hold offenders accountable and seek justice for those who are victimized.”