The man accused of the 2022 sexual assault of a woman in Star City was located and arrested earlier this week by U.S. Marshals in the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
Antonio Gabriel Mendez, 32, of Guatemala, was taken into custody on Monday afternoon at a restaurant in St. Claire, Pa., according to the U.S. Marshals Service.
Mendez was also known to use the names Emilio Pascual Guzman and Tony Gabriel.
Mendez has been wanted by the West Virginia State Police since he was named the suspect in the first-degree sexual assault of a woman on the Caperton Rail-Trail near Star City Park on Sept. 20, 2022.
The West Virginia State Police issued a warrant for Mendez’s arrest on March 3, 2023.
Shortly after the warrant was issued the U.S. Marshals Service began assisting in the search for Mendez, who was believed to have fled the area.
A press release by the Marshals in October 2023 regarding the search listed Mendez by his Emilio Guzman alias.
“This case shows tremendous coordination between law enforcement,” acting U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of West Virginia Terry Moore said.
“The state police were able to quickly identify the suspect in this case, and after learning he had fled the area, requested our assistance in locating him. The swift actions from our U.S. Marshals counterparts in the Middle District of Pennsylvania led to a quick and safe apprehension.”
Officials said Mendez will have an initial appearance in Pennsylvania on the charges but will be extradited to West Virginia if he is detained.
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