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Alez Cruz-Jaramillo is wanted by U.S. Marshals for the repeated sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl in Walworth, Wisconsin. Cruz-Jaramillo, who was 17 at the time, admitted to having sexual intercourse with the victim but failed to appear in court after posting bond and has been on the run since.
Why it matters
This case highlights the ongoing issue of sexual predators targeting minors and the challenges law enforcement faces in apprehending suspects who evade justice by fleeing. It also raises concerns about bail policies and the need for stronger measures to ensure accused offenders appear for trial.
The details
According to prosecutors, Cruz-Jaramillo met the 12-year-old girl in Walworth in 2022 and continued to see her several times, admitting to having sexual intercourse with her. He was arrested and charged with repeated sexual assault of a child but posted bond and then failed to appear in court a week later, leading to a warrant for his arrest.
- In 2022, Cruz-Jaramillo, then 17, met the 12-year-old victim and began a sexual relationship with her.
- About a year later, investigators became aware of the situation and Cruz-Jaramillo was arrested and charged.
- Cruz-Jaramillo posted bond but failed to appear in court a week later, leading to a warrant for his arrest.
- Cruz-Jaramillo has been on the run since 2023 when he failed to appear in court.
The players
Alez Cruz-Jaramillo
A 21-year-old man wanted by U.S. Marshals for the repeated sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl in Walworth, Wisconsin. He was 17 at the time of the crimes and has been on the run since failing to appear in court after posting bond.
U.S. Marshals
The federal law enforcement agency currently searching for Cruz-Jaramillo and seeking the public’s help in locating him.
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What they’re saying
“He initially asked if they could ‘smash,’ [but] she said ‘no,’ but they still met up anyway.”
— U.S. Marshal
“He admitted to having sexual intercourse with the victim. He kind of underplayed the situation.”
— Investigator
“Being on the run for something like this only adds to the perception of guilt. He has to face the consequences.”
— U.S. Marshal
What’s next
U.S. Marshals are urging anyone with information on the whereabouts of Alez Cruz-Jaramillo to call the U.S. Marshal Tipline at 414-297-3707. They believe he may be hiding in the Kenosha area.
The takeaway
This case highlights the urgent need to apprehend sexual predators who target minors and the importance of ensuring accused offenders appear for trial. It also raises questions about bail policies and the challenges law enforcement faces in locating suspects who evade justice by fleeing.
