Waldo Man Awaiting Rape Trial Submits Bond Motion

A Waldo man facing rape charges has submitted a bond motion two months ahead of his scheduled trial.

Mario Alvaro Fernandez, 49, is currently in the Alachua County Jail awaiting trial on six counts of sexual battery (rape) and one count of domestic battery.

Fernandez was arrested on October 4, 2024, and he's remained in the Alachua County Jail, as prosecutors filed a successful pretrial detention motion. The motion describes Fernandez sexually abusing the victim, who was in a vulnerable position as a disabled person.

On May 5, 2026, Fernandez's public defender submitted a bond motion. The motion states the victim "has left the state of Florida and her whereabouts are unknown to [Fernandez] or defense counsel."

The motion states that if Fernandez is released from jail, he "will reside at 3333 NE 39th Ave." This is the address of the Alachua County Jail. It's unclear why the motion says this.

The bond hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.

The motion accurately states that Fernandez doesn't have any criminal convictions, however, he was previously arrested and granted a withheld adjudication on burglary and larceny charges in 2023.

Fernandez is set to appear for the jury selection of his trial on July 13, 2026. However, it's unclear if prosecutors will move forward with the case if the victim is not present to testify.