By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

PELHAM—A Pelham Police search ended with the arrest of a Montevallo man on charges of rape in the first degree, sodomy in the first degree and sexual abuse of a child less than 12-years-old.

Carlos Antonio Argueta-Morales, 37, was apprehended by the Pelham Police on Interstate 65 on April 11.

“We were made aware of this just a few days ago,” Pelham Police Department Deputy Chief Larry Palmer said.

After an investigation, “warrants were obtained and we were actively looking for him,” Palmer said.

The rape, sodomy and sexual abuse charges stem from an alleged 2012 event involving Argueta-Morales and a minor under the age of 12.

According to the arrest warrants, Argueta-Morales “did on or about 2012 engage in sexual intercourse” and “deviate sexual intercourse” with a minor under 12-years-old, and “subject another person who is less than 12 years old to sexual contact.”

According the Palmer, the Pelham Police Department is not releasing any further information on the case as “the victim is a minor under 12 years of age.”

Argueta-Morales is being held in the Shelby County Jail under a $75,000 bond. He could face up to life in prison if convicted of the three Class A felony charges.