Nathan Potier, 36, and his girlfriend Erica Ramirez, 36, were arrested in Sparks, Nevada this week after fleeing Oklahoma during a child sexual abuse investigation. The couple is accused of using a 14-year-old girl as a surrogate, according to court documents.
Background
The investigation began in December when Child Protective Services notified Oklahoma City police that the teenage girl was pregnant with twins. Detectives learned that Ramirez had told investigators she wanted children with her boyfriend but could not have them because her tubes were tied, according to court documents obtained by KFOR.
Prior reports from California indicated that Potier had previously sexually abused the same girl and that Ramirez was aware of the abuse, according to court documents. The connection between the teen and the couple remains under investigation.
The Oklahoma County District Attorney's Office authorized charges against Potier for sexual assault of a child and Ramirez for enabling sexual abuse of a child. Investigators obtained a warrant for Potier's DNA but before they could serve it, the couple fled the state.
The Charges
Potier faces one count of sexual assault of a child in Oklahoma County. Ramirez is charged with enabling sexual abuse of a child. Both charges carry significant prison sentences if convicted.
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office conducted a joint investigation with multiple agencies after receiving tips that the couple might be hiding in the Reno/Sparks area. Officers located them in Sparks, Nevada on Tuesday.
The couple was booked into the Washoe County jail on fugitive warrants and is awaiting extradition to Oklahoma. They will face charges in Oklahoma County District Court.
Key Takeaways
- Nathan Potier, 36, and Erica Ramirez, 36, were arrested in Sparks, Nevada
- The couple is accused of using a 14-year-old girl as a surrogate
- Potier faces charges of sexual assault of a child; Ramirez charged with enabling sexual abuse of a child
- Prior reports from California indicated Potier had previously abused the same girl
- The girl was pregnant with twins when CPS discovered the situation in December
- The couple fled Oklahoma before DNA warrants could be served
What's Next
Potier and Ramirez remain in custody in Washoe County, Nevada, awaiting extradition proceedings. Once returned to Oklahoma, they will appear in Oklahoma County District Court to face the charges. The 14-year-old girl has been placed in foster care. The investigation into how the teen became connected with the couple continues.