An illegal immigrant who was previously deported admitted to authorities that he coerced a minor into having sex with the intent to take her across state lines.
Juan Carlos Morales-Pedraza, 34, pleaded guilty to charges of coercion and enticement of a minor and illegally re-entering the U.S. after he was deported, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Tuesday.
Morales-Pedraza approached a 15-year-old victim on April 13, 2019 in Passaic County, New Jersey. Morales-Pedraza was able to “knowingly persuade, induce, entice, and coerce” the 15-year-old to travel from New Jersey to Illinois “to engage in sexual activity,” according to the DOJ.
Morales-Pedraza and the victim left New Jersey to head to Illinois but Morales-Pedraza was arrested in Ohio, according to the DOJ. (RELATED: Taxpayer-Funded Philadelphia Attorney Consulted Illegal Immigrants Facing Charges Of Child Rape, Murder)
He then admitted to law enforcement that he is a citizen of Mexico and was residing in the U.S. illegally.
The charge of coercion and enticement carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in jail, a $250,000 fine and mandatory restitution. The illegal re-entry has a maximum prison sentence of two years as well as a $250,000 fine.
MAPLE SHADE, NJ – DECEMBER 30: A highway sign advises drivers to report suspicous activity, December 30, 2003 in Maple Shade, New Jersey. (William Thomas Cain/Getty Images)
Morales-Pedraza is expected to appear for sentencing on July 14, 2021, according to the DOJ.
During fiscal year 2019 Customs and Border Protection (CBP) arrested 4,269 illegal immigrants who had been convicted of one or more crimes.
During fiscal year 2021, which runs Oct. 1, 2020-Sept. 30, 2021, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has already arrested 3,464 illegal immigrants with criminal convictions.
