Ecuadorian fugitive wanted for rape of minor arrested in Northampton

Credit: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) – A non-citizen of Ecuador was arrested in Northampton last month on charges brought in his home country, including statutory rape.

Law enforcement and deportation officers arrested the Ecuadorian on June 12 near his residence in Northampton on charges of statutory rape and invasion of privacy.

“This Ecuadorian fugitive faces very serious charges, but instead of facing the justice system, he fled and attempted to seek refuge in Massachusetts,” said Todd M. Lyons, ERO Boston Field Office Director. “He posed a significant threat to the children in our communities, and we cannot allow that to continue. ERO Boston will continue to prioritize the safety of our public by apprehending and removing egregious non-citizen offenders from New England.”

The man had previously been arrested by U.S. Border Patrol on June 4, 2021, for illegally entering the United States near San Juan, Arizona. He was issued a summons to appear before an immigration judge and released.

Two years later, on May 16, 2023, Ecuadorian authorities issued an arrest warrant for him for rape of a minor. That warrant led to his arrest in Northampton last month.