Diplomatic Security Helps Locate And Return Fugitive from the Dominican RepublicBureau of Diplomatic SecurityWashington, DC October 3, 2008 Fugitive in Passport Fraud and Child Sexual Abuse Cases Had Been Returned Once Before The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS) and the U. S. Marshals Service (USMS) conducted a joint-investigation leading to the detention of Javier Mujica in the Dominican Republic by Dominican law enforcement officials on September 24. Mujica was returned to the United States on October 1. The United States District of Colorado indicted Mujica in 2004 for Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution and Mujica was indicted also by the State of Colorado, La Plata County for Sexual Exploitation of a Child, Indecent Exposure, Enticement of a Child, Harassment, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor and for narcotic offenses. In addition, the United States Southern District of Florida indicted Mujica in November 2007 for False Statements and Passport Fraud. Mujica is one of the Durango, CO, Police Department's ten most wanted fugitives. This is the second time Mujica has been returned to the U.S. Mujica was apprehended in Panama in December 2006 and returned to Colorado to face charges. Mujica failed to appear for his court hearing, fled the country, and was at large until his recent arrest. DS began the search for Mujica on February 5, 2008. DS Special Agents assigned to the Regional Security Office (RSO) at the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic and Panama worked with the USMS to locate Mujica. On September 17, Mujica was located in the Dominican Republic. Dominican authorities detained Mujica on September 24. Gregory B. Starr, Director of the U.S. Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service, stated, "It's this type of close, worldwide law enforcement liaison capability that gives Diplomatic Security unparalleled ability to apprehend fugitives like Mujica. His return highlights the critical role DS plays in bringing suspects and fugitives to justice, regardless of where they may hide. Mujica's apprehension was a direct result of law enforcement coordination and field efforts by Diplomatic Security, the U.S. Marshals Service, and local Dominican Republic police and immigration officials." Because the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Diplomatic Security is the most widely represented law enforcement organization in the world, DS's capability to track and capture fugitives who have fled U.S. jurisdiction to avoid prosecution is unmatched. During 2007, DS assisted in the resolution of 113 international fugitive cases from over 30 different countries. DS has returned 90 fugitives in 2008 alone. The Bureau of Diplomatic Security is the U.S. Department of State's law enforcement and security arm. The special agents, engineers, and security professionals of the Bureau are responsible for the security of 285 U.S. diplomatic missions around the world. In the United States, Diplomatic Security personnel protect the U.S. Secretary of State and high-ranking foreign dignitaries and officials visiting the United States, investigate passport and visa fraud, and conduct personnel security investigations. More information about the U.S. Department of State and the Bureau of Diplomatic Security may be obtained at www.state.gov/m/ds. Contact: |
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