Somerton, Arizona - Yuma Station Border Patrol agents apprehended a Honduran citizen Sunday who was previously convicted of annoying or molesting a child under 18.
At approximately 8:10 p.m., agents assigned to patrol duties near Somerton, Arizona apprehended Carlos Zelaya-Zelaya, a 46-year-old Honduran national, after he made an illegal entry into the United States.
During processing, record checks revealed Zelaya was convicted in San Francisco of annoying or molesting a child under 18 in 2000. Zelaya’s records also show convictions for transportation/selling of narcotics/controlled substance, for which he served three years in prison also in San Francisco in 1999.
Zelaya will be processed for immigration violations.
Federal law allows agents to charge individuals by complaint, a method that allows the filing of criminal activity charges without inferring guilt. An individual is presumed innocent unless or until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents effectively combat smuggling organizations attempting to illegally transport people and contraband through Southwestern Arizona and California. Citizens can help the Border Patrol and U.S. Customs and Border Protection by calling 1-866-999-8727 toll-free to report suspicious activity. Callers may remain anonymous.