An East Lake teen, 18, has been charged with the statutory rape of a 12-year-old girl.
Taken into custody was Edwin Aldo Mendez Perez.
On Saturday, police were contacted by an Hispanic translator in behalf of the mother of the girl. The mother said the daughter had again left her house without her consent to be with an older boy.
Police went to 3007 13th Ave., where Mendez Perez let them in. Officers searched for the girl and found her in a back bedroom in a closet.
The girl told police she had been with Mendez Perez since last Sept. 15, though she knew she was not supposed to be with him - especially having sex and drinking alcohol.
Police said the residence was surrounded with empty (and full) liquor and beer bottles. Much of it was in the room where the couple stayed.
Police said they explained the law of statutory rape and the girl became visibly upset when she was asked for her age.
Police stated, "Both parties smiled when speaking about sexual intercourse and quickly lowering their heads realizing this was against the law."
Mendez Perez is being held on a $200,000 bond.