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Honolulu, HI – A Costa Rican man wanted in
his native country for raping a 3-year-old child a decade ago is facing
deportation following his capture Friday night by the U.S. Marshals and agents
from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security
Investigations (HSI).
Diego Mata Sanchez, 46, was taken into custody on administrative immigration
violations at a residence in Honolulu by members of the U.S. Marshals’ Adam
Walsh Sex Offender Task Force and ICE HSI agents, ending a nearly three-year
manhunt. Mata Sanchez is the subject of an INTERPOL warrant, or “red notice,”
issued in April 2009 accusing him of rape, crimes against children and sexual
offenses. He is wanted in his native country of Costa Rica for molesting and
raping a 3-year-old child in 2001.
“After so many years, this suspect undoubtedly believed he’d eluded justice, but
obviously he underestimated law enforcement’s resolve,” said Wayne Wills,
special agent in charge for HSI in Hawaii. “ICE will continue to work closely
with its law enforcement partners here and around the world to ensure the United
States doesn’t serve as a safe haven for those accused of violent crimes.”
At the time of his arrest, Mata Sanchez did not have legal authorization to be
in the United States. He is currently in ICE custody and will be scheduled for a
deportation hearing before an immigration judge.
Additional information about the
U.S. Marshals Service can be found at
http://www.usmarshals.gov.
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