ERO Boston arrests Guatemalan national accused of sexually assaulting child in Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations announced they arrested a Guatemalan national accused of sexually assaulting a child in Rhode Island.

According to a release, 45-year-old Felix Meletz Guarcas was taken into custody on Nov. 20 when the Rhode Island Department of Corrections released him, despite an active immigration detainer.

Meletz Guarcas entered the United States at an unknown location on an unknown date without inspection or parole, according to the release.

The Pawtucket Police Department in Rhode Island arrested him on Feb. 16, 2002, for misdemeanor disorderly conduct and felony assault of police officers and other officials.

He was convicted and sentenced to six months of probation four months later in the 6th Division District Court.

According to officials, Providence police arrested him for one count of first-degree sexual assault on a child and five counts of second-degree sexual assault on a child Sept. 3, 2023, and those charges are pending.

Meletz Guarcas is in ICE custody pending a hearing before an immigration judge.