A federal task force was able to rescue a girl last week in Phoenix who had been reported missing nearly four months ago.
The retrieval was made on July 9 by officers of the United States Marshals Service Arizona WANTED Task Force, following an investigation prompted by an anonymous community report.
“This recovery is another reminder that anonymous tips, strong partnerships, and determined investigators save lives,” said U.S. Marshal Van Bayless for the District of Arizona. “Our deputies exercised patience, sound judgment, and restraint to safely recover this endangered child despite rapidly evolving circumstances. We remain committed to locating vulnerable children, protecting them from exploitation, and working alongside our law enforcement partners to ensure they receive the care and support they need.”
The child, an at-risk youth, was reported missing in March. On July 9, Task Force members received a tip concerning the girl’s location and worked with the Phoenix Police Department to confirm it.
Investigators then employed surveillance techniques to find the missing girl near a house with many men. Surveillance was kept to assure the girl’s safety while a rescue plan was developed.
Later in the evening, the girl walked away from the house, allowing deputies to move in.
As deputies entered the home, one of the men, Miguel Mendez-Vargas, allegedly raced toward a deputy marshal, impeding the ability to rescue the child.
Mendez-Vargas allegedly refused to comply with directions to get on the ground and swung at deputies who attempted to arrest him. A deputy responded by using his Taser, while three others restrained Mendez-Vargas. He allegedly spit on deputies while in jail.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) authorities investigated and discovered that two of the males, Mendez-Vargas and Jose Mendez-Bello, were illegally in the country. Both males were placed into ICE custody for federal immigration crimes.
Mendez-Vargas faces two more accusations for assaulting federal officers. The FBI is investigating the purported assaults.
The Marshals Service stated that the girl may have been sexually molested while she was absent. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is looking into whether sex offenses were committed involving the young child. This investigation may lead to the filing of more charges.
The girl was rescued and put into the care of the Phoenix Police Department.
Earlier this year, a US Marshals operation located and rescued 31 missing and exploited children throughout Arizona.
Leave a Comment