Feds: Man, in NJ Illegally, Sentenced for Enticement of Minor

Authorities say a Passaic County man has been sentenced to 95 months in prison for coercion and enticement of a minor and for illegally re-entering the United States after previously being deported.

Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael Honig's office says in April, 2019, 35-year-old Juan Carlos Morales Pedraza of Paterson, "approached a 15-year-old victim in Passaic County. Two days later, after engaging in sexual intercourse with the victim, Morales Pedraza and the victim left the New Jersey, with plans to travel to Illinois. Morales Pedraza admitted that he planned to engage in sexual conduct with the victim in Illinois."

Cops stopped Morales Pedraza in Lucas County, Ohio, for failing to move over. There, he was arrested. The 15-year-old was with him at the time.

He has admitted that he is a citizen of Mexico and that he illegally entered the United States after having previously been deported.

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After pleading guilty earlier this year, the 95-month sentenced was imposed on Tuesday. In addition to the prison term, a judge sentenced Morales Pedraza to three years of supervised release.

Morales Pedraza was facing 20 years to life if he had been found guilty of kidnapping.

Honig credited the numerous law enforcement agencies that were involved in this case, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office’s Sexual Investigations Unit, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, and the Lake Township, OH, Police Department.