A 70-year-old rape suspect from Stafford County, Virginia, is currently in custody in Lima, Peru, thanks to the quick actions of the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Marshals Service, and a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer. Geronimo Johnny Neyra, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Peru, is facing 12 counts of aggravated sexual acts against a 10-year-old child.
The Stafford County Sheriff’s Department received a complaint on July 6, which alerted them to the allegations against Neyra. The following day, a deputy U.S. Marshal discovered that Neyra had boarded a flight to Lima and immediately notified CBP. A CBP officer, who serves as a task force officer with the Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force, collaborated with CBP’s National Targeting Center to analyze passenger manifests and identify Neyra’s specific flight.
Furthermore, this CBP officer ensured that the U.S. Marshals Service Capital Area Fugitive Task Force adopted the fugitive case. As a result, the Department of Justice expedited an INTERPOL Red Notice, enabling Peruvian law enforcement to take Neyra into custody upon his arrival in Lima.
Extradition proceedings are currently underway to bring Neyra back to the United States to face the charges against him in Stafford County. This swift international arrest highlights the exceptional problem-solving and resourcefulness of law enforcement officers and emphasizes the importance of interagency cooperation at all levels of law enforcement.
Stephen Maloney, CBP’s Director of Field Operations in Baltimore, commended the fast response and collaboration of the involved agencies. He also stressed that CBP’s border security mission not only protects the nation but also ensures that victims have a voice and that fugitives will have their day in court.
This successful operation serves as an excellent example of how law enforcement agencies across different jurisdictions can work together to apprehend dangerous criminals and bring them to justice. It also underscores the significance of leveraging technology, such as the National Targeting Center and international collaboration through INTERPOL, to expedite the apprehension of fugitives.
The arrest of Neyra in Peru is a testament to the dedication and commitment of law enforcement officers to protect and serve their communities, whether domestically or abroad. Their proactive approach and rapid response demonstrate the effectiveness of their training and the importance of continuing to prioritize the safety of individuals, especially victims of heinous crimes.
In an increasingly interconnected world, it is crucial for law enforcement agencies to collaborate and share information to successfully track down and apprehend fugitives. This case serves as a reminder of the critical role that CBP plays in ensuring national security and public safety, both at the borders and beyond.
The extradition process will ultimately lead to Neyra facing the charges against him in Stafford County, where the alleged crimes took place. Justice will be served, thanks to the combined efforts of the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Marshals Service, CBP, and Peruvian law enforcement.
Overall, this case highlights the importance of international cooperation and the effectiveness of interagency collaboration in apprehending dangerous criminals. It also reinforces the commitment of law enforcement officers to protect vulnerable individuals and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions. The successful arrest of Neyra in Peru is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of these men and women who work tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of their communities.
