Convicted Sex Offender Arrested Attempting to Cross Border into U.S.

Winter Storm Warning: Heavy Snowfall to Hit Ridgecrest and Surrounding Areas

Wrightwood Firefighters Rescue Stranded Individuals in Backcountry Snowstorms

EL CENTRO – A convicted sex offender was caught attempting to cross the Mexico to California border near Mount Signal on Thursday afternoon US Customs Border Protection (CBP) officials said. At around 3:00 p.m. El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents observed a male subject running north from the international border fence.

The agents made contact with the man, who was determined to be illegally present in the United States, he was arrested and transported to the El Centro station for processing. When border patrol agents conducted a record check on the suspect they learned the 42-year-old Mexican national was convicged in the State of California for Lewd Acts with a minor under 16. The subject was convicted and served 20 months in prison.

“The vigilant work of our agents in the El Centro Sector has led to the successful removal of a sexual predator,” said Assistant Chief Patrol Agent David S. Kim, “We’re sending a clear message to those who have committed serious crimes in the United States and are seeking to illegally enter, that we will vigorously pursue criminal prosecution.”

The man will be prosecuted for reentering after removal as a convicted sex offender.

In fiscal year 2017, El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents have arrested five convicted sex offenders attempting to re-enter the United States after removal.

The El Centro Sector’s Community Awareness Campaign is a simple and effective program to raise public awareness on the indicators of crime and other threats. We encourage public and private sector employees to remain vigilant and play a key role in keeping our country safe. Please report any suspicious activity to the Border Community Threat Hotline at 1-800-901-2003.