Executive Summary
- Juan Ivan Ramirez-Alvarez, 24, was arrested in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, by U.S. Marshals.
- The suspect is charged with aggravated statutory rape stemming from an August incident in Putnam County, Tennessee.
- Investigators allege the suspect entered a minor’s bedroom window and forced the victim to have sex.
- Ramirez-Alvarez has been extradited to Tennessee and is held on a $150,000 bond.
A 24-year-old man wanted in connection with the sexual assault of a minor in Tennessee has been taken into custody in Northwest Arkansas following an operation by the U.S. Marshals Service. Tennessee officials confirmed the arrest of Juan Ivan Ramirez-Alvarez on Thursday, ending a manhunt that began after the suspect allegedly fled the state.
According to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), the investigation began on August 24 when detectives were notified of an incident involving a home intrusion. Investigators allege that a man climbed into a minor’s bedroom window and forced the victim to engage in sexual intercourse. During the course of the inquiry, detectives determined that Ramirez-Alvarez had been in a relationship with the alleged victim prior to sneaking into the residence.
Law enforcement officials stated that while detectives were working to positively identify the suspect, Ramirez-Alvarez fled Tennessee for Arkansas. After the PCSO obtained a warrant for his arrest, the U.S. Marshals Service located and apprehended him in Siloam Springs. Ramirez-Alvarez was subsequently transported back to Putnam County, where he has been charged with one count of aggravated statutory rape. He is currently being held on a $150,000 bond.
Judicial Proceedings and Extradition
The involvement of federal authorities underscores the procedural escalation that occurs when a felony suspect crosses state lines, necessitating the resources of the U.S. Marshals Service for apprehension and extradition. With the suspect returned to the originating jurisdiction, the focus now shifts to the pre-trial phase in Putnam County, where prosecutors will present evidence regarding the alleged forced entry and the nature of the relationship. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.