A Salvadoran man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for raping a “helpless” woman at a Madison restaurant in early 2025.
37-year-old Jose Rigoberta Mejia-Cubias was arrested after Madison police received a call regarding an unidentified female who had been assaulted at Fernando’s Restaurant on Colony Crossing Way. The arrest of Meija-Cubias led to further investigation of employees at the restaurant under suspicion of illegal immigrants working at the establishment. Seven others were arrested after lacking proper documentation.
A surveillance video reviewed by investigators showed Mejia-Cubias serving the female victim alcoholic drinks until she lost consciousness. After she had passed out on the floor, Mejia-Cubias was seen sexually assaulting her.
Mejia-Cubias pleaded guilty to sexual battery of a physically helpless person in Madison County Circuit Court and on Monday was sentenced to 25 years in prison without the possibility of early release or parole.
He also faces charges for being in the country illegally after previously being deported in 2010.
