Louisville, Kentucky, January 23, 2026
A 31-year-old man from Nashville has been arrested in Louisville, Kentucky, after being accused of raping a teenage girl on New Year’s Eve. The suspect, Mena Awad, was apprehended at a hotel and is awaiting extradition to Tennessee. He faces multiple serious charges, including aggravated rape, aggravated assault, and aggravated burglary. The arrest highlights the collaboration between Nashville and Kentucky law enforcement agencies in pursuing suspects across state lines.
Nashville Man Arrested in Louisville, Facing Serious Charges
Nashville, Tennessee – A man accused of raping a teenage girl on New Year’s Eve in Nashville has been arrested in Kentucky and is awaiting extradition to Tennessee to face charges. The 31-year-old suspect, identified as Mena Awad, was apprehended at a hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, on January 16, 2026. He is expected to be returned to Nashville soon.
Awad is facing multiple charges, including aggravated rape, aggravated assault, and aggravated burglary. The incident occurred on December 31, 2025, when Awad allegedly entered the victim’s apartment around 7 a.m., assaulted her, and threatened her with a gun and a knife. The victim did not know the assailant prior to the attack.
The arrest was the result of a collaborative effort between the Metro Nashville Police Department and Louisville Police. Acting on information that Awad had traveled to Kentucky, Louisville Police located him at a hotel, leading to his arrest. The return of Awad to Nashville is pending.
This case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to apprehend individuals accused of serious crimes, regardless of their location. The swift action taken by both Nashville and Kentucky authorities underscores the commitment to ensuring that justice is served for victims of violent crimes.
Background on Recent Child Exploitation Cases in the Region
In recent years, the Western District of Kentucky has seen a series of significant convictions related to child exploitation offenses. Notably, on January 20, 2026, a Franklin man, Joseph Roush, was sentenced to 60 years in federal prison for multiple child exploitation offenses, including distribution and possession of child pornography, and sexual exploitation of a child. Roush was also ordered to pay restitution to the victims.
Additionally, on January 5, 2026, a Nelson County woman, Kathlen Flener, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for sexual exploitation of children and distribution of child pornography. Flener was also ordered to pay restitution to the victims.
These cases reflect the ongoing challenges in addressing child exploitation and the importance of continued vigilance and legal action to protect vulnerable individuals.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Suspect’s Name | Mena Awad |
| Age | 31 |
| Location of Arrest | Louisville, Kentucky |
| Date of Arrest | January 16, 2026 |
| Charges | Aggravated rape, aggravated assault, aggravated burglary |
| Incident Date | December 31, 2025 |
| Victim’s Age | Teenage girl |
| Victim’s Location | Nashville, Tennessee |
| Extradition Status | Pending |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What charges is Mena Awad facing?
Mena Awad is facing multiple charges, including aggravated rape, aggravated assault, and aggravated burglary.
When and where was Mena Awad arrested?
Mena Awad was arrested on January 16, 2026, at a hotel in Louisville, Kentucky.
What is the status of Mena Awad’s extradition?
Awad is expected to be returned to Nashville soon, as his extradition is pending.
What are the details of the incident involving Mena Awad?
The incident occurred on December 31, 2025, when Awad allegedly entered the victim’s apartment around 7 a.m., assaulted her, and threatened her with a gun and a knife. The victim did not know the assailant prior to the attack.
What recent child exploitation convictions have occurred in the Western District of Kentucky?
On January 20, 2026, Joseph Roush was sentenced to 60 years in federal prison for multiple child exploitation offenses. On January 5, 2026, Kathlen Flener was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for similar offenses.
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