Florida child rape suspect caught in Revere

By John Ellement, Globe Staff

A Florida man wanted in that state for allegedly raping a 6-year-old girl is heading to court today after State Police found him hiding in a Revere apartment building this weekend.

Faustino Santiago allegedly raped the girl, who is the daughter of his former girlfriend, when all three were living in Orlando, Fla., in April. After her child was allegedly abused by the 34-year-old Santiago, the woman moved to Revere, and apparently was followed here by Santiago, according to State Police.

Florida authorities issued a warrant for Santiago’s arrest June 25 and the State Police's Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section and Revere police tracked Santiago to a neighborhood along Revere Beach Parkway. On Saturday, police searched one multi-family home, but did not find Santiago.

They then turned their attention to a basement apartment at 785 Revere Beach Parkway. With the permission of the building owner, police broke down one locked door, expecting to find Faustino hiding behind it. Instead, they found a second door, which was also locked. Police broke down that door and found Faustino hiding underneath a mattress, authorities said.

Santiago is scheduled to be arraigned today in Chelsea District Court as a fugitive from justice and faces a return to Florida for prosecution there, police said. He is charged in Florida with capital sexual battery, lewd or lascivious battery, and battery of a child, police here said.