CBP officers at JFK arrest fugitive wanted on felony charges

NEW YORK - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at John F. Kennedy International Airport arrested a Honduran illegal alien with an order for removal, wanted on felony child sex offense charges as he attempted to flee the United States, May 9.

Olman Geovany Jovel Cruz, 38, attempted to board a flight from JFK to San Pedro Sula, Honduras. CBP officers identified Jovel Cruz as the subject of an active warrant issued by authorities in Durham County, North Carolina, for alleged felony offenses involving crimes against a child.

The charges against Jovel Cruz include:

• Three counts: Sexual offense with a child
• Two counts: Indecent liberties with a child
• One count: Disseminate obscenity

Following confirmation of the warrant, Jovel Cruz was taken into custody by CBP and turned over to the Port Authority Police Department for extradition to North Carolina.

"Every day, our dedicated CBP officers at JFK International Airport stand on the frontline, steadfast in their commitment to protecting our communities and, most critically, our Nation's children-the most vulnerable in our society-from dangerous individuals," said New York Director of Field Operations Frank J. Russo. "I commend the outstanding professionalism and vigilance of our CBP officers involved in this arrest. Their dedication and attention to detail ensured that a wanted fugitive will now face the charges levied against him."

Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, CBP has excelled in its enforcement capabilities, strengthening its ability to identify, apprehend, and remove dangerous individuals who threaten the safety and security of our communities.

CBP enforces hundreds of U.S. laws and work closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to identify and apprehend wanted persons, intercept illicit activity, and secure the Nation's borders at and between ports of entry.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 69,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air, and on the seas. We enforce safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.

• Topics
• Border Security
• Criminal Alien