A seven year old cold case has resulted in the arrest of a Center man for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child.

Sheriff Willis Blackwell says 50-year old Juan Merino was charged Monday after new evidence surfaced identifying Merino as the previously unidentified suspect. Sheriff Blackwell said Merino was arrested earlier this month for Forgery, after being found in possession and use of fake Social Security Cards, and fake Permanent Residence Cards that were discovered while investigating him for the sexual assault crime.

Merino remains in the Shelby County Jail on a half-million bond. He's also being held for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Sheriff Blackwell said his department wished to thank several agencies for their assistance while investigating the case. They include Texas Rangers, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Angelina County Sheriff's Office, the Center ISD Police Dept., and the Shelby County Children's Advocacy Center.

Sheriff Blackwell said the citizens of Shelby County are also to be thanked, because without their help, the child predator would not have been captured.