SACRAMENTO—The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Sacramento Field Office and Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department are announcing the successful extradition of Felipe Giezi Castaneda-Jauregui, who was wanted for fleeing to avoid prosecution in Sacramento County.

The FBI Sacramento Field Office, FBI Legal Attaché Office in Panama City, U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Justice Office of International Affairs, U.S. Marshal’s Service, Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department and Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office worked collaboratively to effect Castaneda-Jauregui’s arrest and extradition.

Following an investigation by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department Major Crime Unit, the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office charged Castaneda-Jauregui, a Mexican national, with ten counts of lewd and lascivious act with a child under 14 years of age with force or violence on November 8, 2022. The charges are mere allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent pending prosecution.

The FBI obtained a federal arrest warrant for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution on February 6, 2023, following information indicating that Castaneda-Jauregui left the United States to avoid prosecution in Sacramento County. Castaneda-Jauregui was apprehended by the quick action of Panamanian authorities at the Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, Panama, on February 6, 2023, when he attempted to board a flight to Guadalajara, Mexico. Castaneda-Jauregui was held by Panamanian authorities pending extradition to the United States.

Castaneda-Jauregui’s return is 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.

The FBI continues to work with its law enforcement partners to apprehend criminals charged with state crimes who then flee the jurisdiction. 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.

Questions regarding Castaneda-Jauregui’s detention and pending prosecution should be directed to the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office.