A Salvadoran man previously deported from the U.S. has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for raping an unconscious woman at a Mississippi restaurant.
At a Glance
- Salvadoran man sentenced to 25 years for rape
- Crime occurred at Fernando’s Mexican Grill in Madison
- Incident captured on restaurant surveillance footage
- Offender had been deported in 2010, re-entered U.S. illegally
Assault at Madison Restaurant
In the early hours of January 30, 2025, Madison Police responded to a distress call from a woman who reported being raped at Fernando’s Mexican Grill. The victim recounted that she had been drinking at the bar the previous evening and woke up on the floor around midnight, realizing she had been assaulted. She identified the bartender, Jose “Rigo” Rigoberto Mejia-Cubias, as her assailant.
Surveillance footage provided by the restaurant owners showed Mejia-Cubias serving the victim drinks until she lost consciousness. He then moved her to the floor and sexually assaulted her while she remained unconscious for over an hour and a half, according to the Clarion Ledger.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Mejia-Cubias, 37, pleaded guilty to one count of sexual battery in Madison County Circuit Court. Judge Dewey Arthur sentenced him to 25 years in prison without the possibility of early release or parole. The sentence was handed down just three months after the crime occurred, as reported by the Clarion Ledger.
District Attorney Bubba Bramlett commended the Madison Police Department for their swift action and the restaurant owners for promptly providing the surveillance footage. He expressed hope that the swift justice would bring closure to the victim and serve as a warning to others contemplating similar crimes.
Immigration Status and Broader Implications
Investigations revealed that Mejia-Cubias is an undocumented immigrant from El Salvador who had been deported from the U.S. in 2010. He re-entered the country illegally and was working at the restaurant at the time of the assault. Following his arrest, federal authorities were notified, and he now faces pending charges for illegal re-entry into the United States, according to WLBT.
The case has reignited concerns over immigration enforcement and the ease with which previously deported individuals can return undetected. It also raises questions about employment verification and the responsibilities of business owners in preventing such hires.
Community Response and Ongoing Investigations
The violent crime has left the Madison community shocked, with many residents demanding stricter immigration controls and improved monitoring of deported individuals. Authorities are now looking into how Mejia-Cubias was able to gain employment at the restaurant despite his immigration status.
The case underscores the serious public safety risks posed by gaps in immigration oversight. It also highlights the courage of the victim, whose prompt report and cooperation helped bring the perpetrator to justice.
