GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Two men suspected of sexually battering two young women after placing an unknown drug into their drinks were arrested Thursday by Gainesville police.
Investigators are now asking others to come forward if they think they were victimized by the men.
Police said two 18-year-old women went to 101 Cantina on West University Avenue, directly across from the University of Florida campus, on Aug. 9, where they met Gustavo Herdocia, 26 and Carlos Telleria, 21, both from Gainesville. According to police, Herdocia introduced himself and obtained wristbands for them, telling them they would be able to consume alcohol while wearing the wristbands.
The women told investigators that they only drank about half of one drink, but remembered feeling extremely intoxicated.
Both women told police they woke up to find Herdocia and Telleria having sexual intercourse with them. They recall being awake enough to know what was occurring, but being unable to move their bodies, leading investigators to believe some sort of drug was placed into the drinks.
Both Herdocia and Telleria were arrested and charged with sexual battery.
Police suspect that Herdocia and Telleria have victimized other women they met at 101 Cantina. Investigators understand that victims may be embarrassed or reluctant to report a sexual battery for many different reasons.
"We encourage you to come forward if you have been a victim of Herdocia or Telleria, or if you have any information as to their activities at 101 Cantina," wrote Gainesville police Public Information Officer Ben Tobias. "Sexual battery victim information is restricted and your identity as a victim is protected under Florida law."
Anyone willing to speak to investigators about this case is asked to call the Criminal Investigations Division at 352-393-7670. You may also contact the 24-hour Alachua County Rape Crisis Center at 352-264-6760.