A young girl in South Carolina is now in the care of Emergency Protective Services after going into labor in a hospital parking lot. She was taken to the hospital to give birth, and although she didn’t make it inside until afterward, within hours authorities were called and her case was being investigated. Soon, they learned the girl had allegedly been sexually abused for years by a man named Luis Armando Argueta Montejo. Details about the girl haven’t been revealed by authorities because of her age, but she’s at best a young teen. Montejo faces multiple charges in relation to the abuse of the girl, including incest. Currently, it is unknown if the pregnancy was a result of the sexual abuse.
The case was brought directly to authorities.
An investigation began on April 11, 2026, after the young girl gave birth to a child in the parking lot of Oconee County Memorial Hospital, FOX Carolina reported. Both the minor and the adult woman she was with were taken to a hospital where she gave birth outside, according to the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, via People.
After the girl gave birth, deputies met with an agent from the Department of Social Services. The case was then turned over to the Violent Crimes Unit of the Criminal Investigations Bureau.
Investigators were able to quickly obtain a warrant.
On April 16, Luis Armando Argueta Montejo was arrested.
“Based upon evidence that was obtained during the investigation, and after presenting that evidence to a judge, probable cause was established that Montejo had engaged in sexual intercourse with the victim between 2022 and 2025,” the sheriff’s office wrote in a news release shared by People.
The 43-year-old was charged with three counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor and one count of incest, per People. The young girl was between the ages of 11 and 14, the criminal sexual conduct charge alleges.
A shocking discovery was made during the initial investigation.
Both the girl and the baby were placed into Emergency Protective Custody and are safe, officials said. Investigators still await test results to find out if Montejo is the baby’s father.
According to arrest warrants, Montejo is the biological father of the minor, WYFF reported. He remains in custody at the Oconee County Detention Center, held on an $80,000 surety bond.
Shortly after he was taken into police custody, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement placed a detainer on Montejo. He must be kept in custody for up to 48 hours after his release by the sheriff’s office if he posts bail.
The investigation is ongoing.
“Due to the preservation of the ongoing investigation, and that of the underage victim, the Sheriff’s Office will not release any further information that could, either directly or indirectly, identify the victim in this case or the young child,” the sheriff’s office said in its statement, Fox Carolina reported.
Sheri Biggs, who serves in the US House of Representatives for South Carolina’s Third District, released a statement about the arrest. “The alleged crimes out of Oconee County are the worst of the worst. Truly sickening and evil. I thank ICE for their quick action, and I pray nothing like this ever happens again.”
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, the National Sexual Assault Hotline provides confidential 24/7 support. Call 800-656-HOPE (4673) or chat online at RAINN.
