Feds Detain Man at Texas Border Sought for Indecency With a Child

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Eagle Pass Port of Entry have apprehended a fugitive wanted for indecency with a child by sexual contact.

On Monday, CBP officers encountered Merlin Martinez, a 46-year-old U.S. citizen, during a routine inspection at the Eagle Pass International Bridge. 

Martinez was referred for secondary inspection, where biometric verification through law enforcement databases revealed two outstanding warrants: one from Bexar County for indecency with a child by sexual contact and a second from Bandera County for possession of marijuana.

Martinez was promptly detained and turned over to the Maverick County Sheriff’s Office to await criminal proceedings. 

“CBP recognizes the significance of bringing those charged with serious sex crimes to justice,” said Port Director Pete Beattie. “We give these types of cases our utmost attention, hoping to give the victim and their family comfort, knowing the alleged attacker is now in custody.”

CBP’s success in apprehending fugitives like Martinez is aided by the National Crime Information Center, a centralized database that facilitates the sharing of criminal information among law enforcement agencies. This system allows CBP to identify individuals wanted for a range of serious offenses.

In a separate enforcement action less than a week ago, CBP officers at the Laredo Port of Entry detained a fugitive wanted for indecency with a child by sexual contact. 

On Thursday, CBP officers at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge referred Alberto David Torres, a 31-year-old U.S. citizen, for secondary inspection. 

Biometric checks revealed Torres had an outstanding felony warrant for indecency with a child by sexual contact, issued by the Webb County Sheriff’s Office in Laredo, Texas.

Classified as a second-degree felony in Texas, this charge can result in up to 20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. 

CBP turned Torres over to the Webb County Sheriff’s Office for criminal proceedings. 

Sydnie Henry

A born and bred Texan, Sydnie serves as the Managing Editor for Texas Scorecard. She graduated from Patrick Henry College with a B.A. in Government and is utilizing her research and writing skills to spread truth to Texans.