A Jefferson County judge on Friday approved a request to house Yordan Diaz Vera, 34, in protective custody while he remains jailed on charges stemming from an alleged sexual assault in February, court records show.
Arrest and charges
Police say the alleged assault occurred Feb. 4 in the 3200 block of Taylor Boulevard. Authorities arrested Diaz Vera on Feb. 5 and charged him with sodomy, kidnapping and menacing.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Feb. 4 | Reported assault in the 3200 block of Taylor Boulevard |
| Feb. 5 | Arrest of suspect, Yordan Diaz Vera |
| Feb. 6 | Initial court appearance; bond set at $100,000 |
| July (court hearing) | Judge grants request for protective custody while jailed |
| Oct. 20 | Next scheduled court date |
Allegations and immediate circumstances
Louisville police say the victim had arranged for a rideshare to take her to a medical appointment. Investigators allege Diaz Vera instead produced a firearm from the glove compartment and drove the passenger to a church parking lot near Churchill Downs. Officers contend he then entered the vehicle's rear seat, the doors were locked and the passenger was unable to leave.
According to the victim's attorney, that's when Diaz forced the victim to "perform a sex act" that lasted several minutes.
Police located and arrested Diaz Vera the following day in a grocery store parking lot. During his initial appearance on Feb. 6, a judge set bond at $100,000; court records indicate that if bond is posted, the defendant would be placed on home incarceration while awaiting trial.
Custody status and next steps
Diaz Vera has been held at Louisville Metro Corrections and is subject to an immigration detainer. During the recent hearing, the court granted the request that he be housed in protective custody because of threats or abuse he faces in the general jail population, according to court filings. His next court appearance is listed for Oct. 20 at 9:45 a.m.
- Defendant: Yordan Diaz Vera, 34
- Charges: sodomy, kidnapping, menacing
- Bond previously set at: $100,000
- Next court date: Oct. 20
The charges are allegations, and Diaz Vera is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. The case remains under investigation by Louisville police, and prosecutors will decide whether to pursue the charges at trial.
