A 21-year-old Fort Bliss soldier is facing disturbing allegations after authorities arrested him on charges of repeatedly kidnapping and sexually assaulting a woman over the course of 10 days.
Private Xavier Angel Rodriguez, a computer and detection systems repairer assigned to the 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, was taken into custody by the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Apprehension Unit on March 21. The arrest was carried out in cooperation with the District Attorney’s Office and the Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID).
According to court documents and multiple sources, Rodriguez allegedly abducted a woman on March 2, 2024, and held her hostage until March 12, during which he is accused of raping her daily—except for one day, when she was assaulted three times. He reportedly used a knife, a firearm, and physical threats to control the victim, who feared for her life. The location where she was held has not been publicly disclosed.
Rodriguez was indicted on March 6 by an El Paso grand jury on 16 felony charges, including:
- 13 counts of aggravated sexual assault
- 1 count of aggravated kidnapping involving sexual abuse
- 1 count of aggravated kidnapping with a deadly weapon
- 1 count of aggravated kidnapping causing bodily injury
The details in the indictment paint a harrowing picture of confinement and abuse. The victim, identified only by her initials, was reportedly threatened with death if she attempted to escape. Authorities have not released information on how the woman was freed or how the crime came to light.
Rodriguez is currently being held at the El Paso County Detention Facility on a bond set at $1.2 million. As of April 2, he remained incarcerated with no legal representation listed. His arraignment is scheduled for April 9 before 409th District Court Judge Sam Medrano.
In a statement, Fort Bliss officials confirmed Rodriguez’s assignment and enlistment date (May 2023), and stated the Army post is “fully cooperating with the District Attorney’s Office, El Paso County, and the Army CID” as the investigation continues.
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office commended the collaboration between agencies, emphasizing its commitment to protecting the safety and well-being of the local community.
This case has sparked renewed conversations around the Army’s vetting, mental health evaluations, and accountability measures for junior enlisted soldiers. As the legal process unfolds, more details may emerge about how such a prolonged and brutal crime could happen undetected for 10 days.
Stay tuned to The Salty Soldier for updates as the story develops.
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