Man Arrested in Panama for Abusing Step-Daughter

FBI Special Agent in Charge J. Christopher Warrener today announced the arrest of Jose Francisco Gomez, 39, in Panama City, Panama, pursuant to a complaint for criminal sexual conduct in the first degree, which was filed in Hennepin County District Court on September 26, 2006.

The complaint alleges that Gomez sexually abused his step-daughter during 1997 and 1998 while they were living in Minnesota. Gomez fled to his native El Salvador shortly after the complaint was filed. Gomez was arrested without incident on December 12, 2013, in Panama City by Panamanian authorities at the behest of the FBI. Gomez had been residing in El Salvador before his arrest in Panama.

Gomez is being extradited from Panama to Minneapolis to face the allegations contained within the criminal complaint. He is expected to appear in Hennepin County District Court this week.

Gomez is considered innocent of these allegations unless or until he is deemed guilty by a court of law.