Photo: File photo of Felipe Giezi Castaneda-Jauregui | Courtesy of Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office
The FBI Sacramento Field Office and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office have announced the successful extradition of Felipe Giezi Castaneda-Jauregui, a Mexican national who fled to avoid prosecution in Sacramento County. Castaneda-Jauregui was charged with ten counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 years of age with force or violence by the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office on November 8, 2022.
After obtaining a federal arrest warrant for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution on February 6, 2023, the FBI worked collaboratively with law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the U.S. Marshal’s Service, to effect Castaneda-Jauregui’s arrest and extradition.
Panamanian authorities apprehended Castaneda-Jauregui at the Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, Panama, on February 6, 2023, when he attempted to board a flight to Guadalajara, Mexico. He was held by Panamanian authorities pending extradition to the United States. His return was funded by the United States Government’s “Project Welcome Home,” which provides funding to assist in the transportation of federal fugitives to the United States.
Cases seeking information from the public, including fugitive matters, are posted on the FBI Sacramento Field Office’s Most Wanted page and FBI Most Wanted app. Anyone with information that may aid these cases may contact their local FBI office, United States embassy, or submit information online at tips.fbi.gov.
The FBI and its law enforcement partners are committed to apprehending criminals charged with state crimes who then flee the jurisdiction. The successful extradition of Castaneda-Jauregui is a testament to the collaboration and dedication of law enforcement agencies at the local, national, and international levels.
It is important to note that the charges against Castaneda-Jauregui are mere allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent pending prosecution. Questions regarding his detention and pending prosecution should be directed to the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office.
The successful extradition of Castaneda-Jauregui should serve as a warning to those who think they can flee prosecution for their crimes. The FBI and its partners will continue to work tirelessly to bring fugitives to justice and ensure the safety and security of our communities.
