Suspect Wanted for Sexual Assaults Against Minors Arrested in Strongsville by U.S. Marshals

Cleveland, OH – Late in the afternoon on Monday, September 29, members of the U.S. Marshals led Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) arrested Rafael Castellanos-Felipe, 49.  Castellanos-Filipe was wanted for multiple counts of sexual assault against children. 

Officers with the Plainfield Police Department in Plainfield, New Jersey investigated allegations of sexual assault by Castellanos-Filipe.  Their investigation led to charges being filed and a warrant was issued for the arrest of Castellanos-Filipe on September 27.  Early yesterday morning, members of the U.S. Marshals New York New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force (NYNJRFTF) began investigating the whereabouts of Castellanos-Filipe.  It was believed Castellanos-Filipe fled New Jersey due to the criminal charges against him.  Due to the crimes alleged against the suspect, members of the NOVFTF immediately responded to the area where law enforcement believed Castellanos-Filipe to be hiding. 

Members of the NOVFTF were able to locate Castellanos-Filipe in an apartment in the 17500 block of Whitney Rd. in Strongsville, Ohio.  He was arrested without incident and booked into the Cuyahoga County Jail to await extradition to Union County, New Jersey.

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated, “Law enforcement in both New Jersey and Ohio acted quickly to ensure this predator was investigated and arrested to ensure the safety of children in both communities.”

Anyone with information concerning a wanted fugitive can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833), or you can submit a web tip. Reward money is available, and tipsters may remain anonymous.  Follow the U.S. Marshals on Twitter @USMSCleveland.  

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force – Cleveland Division is composed of the following federal, state and local agencies:  U.S. Marshals Service, Cleveland Police Department, Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office, Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority Police Department, Euclid Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Ohio State Higay Patrol, Independence Police Department, Parma Police Department, Aurora Police Department, Solon Police Department, Cleveland RTA Police Department, Westlake Police Department, Bedford Police Department, Middleburg Heights Police Department, Newburgh Heights Police Department and the Metrohealth Police Department.