FBI Continues Search for Gerardo Cruz-Hernandez in Child Sexual Assault Case
Alleged Sexual Assaults From 2011 to 2014
Gerardo Cruz-Hernandez is wanted in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a female victim over a period spanning 2011 to 2014, according to information published by the FBI. The victim was between 12 and 15 years old during the period in which the alleged offenses occurred. The case resulted in extensive criminal charges in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, followed by a federal warrant after Cruz-Hernandez was charged with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.
Serious Charges Filed in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania authorities issued a state arrest warrant for Cruz-Hernandez on January 17, 2014. The warrant was issued in Montgomery County following the filing of multiple charges arising from the alleged abuse. Those charges included multiple counts of forcible rape, rape of a child, and statutory sexual assault.
Cruz-Hernandez was also charged with involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, unlawful contact with a minor, and indecent assault. The number and severity of the charges reflect the scope of the criminal allegations being pursued by Pennsylvania authorities. The charges are allegations and remain subject to adjudication in court.
Allegations Include Violence and Threats
The state case extends beyond the sexual-offense charges. Cruz-Hernandez was also charged with simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, terroristic threats, and corruption of minors. These charges form part of the same Montgomery County criminal case described in the FBI's public wanted information.
Authorities have continued seeking Cruz-Hernandez so he can be brought before the court to face the outstanding charges. Information concerning his activities or movements following the issuance of the Pennsylvania warrant may assist investigators. His current whereabouts have remained the focus of the fugitive investigation.
State Arrest Warrant Issued
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Montgomery, issued the arrest warrant for Cruz-Hernandez in Norristown on January 17, 2014. The warrant followed the filing of the numerous criminal charges connected with the alleged abuse. Authorities subsequently sought Cruz-Hernandez as the prosecution remained outstanding.
The case originated at the state level, but federal authorities later became involved in the effort to locate him. That involvement resulted in a separate federal charge the following year. The FBI has since publicized the case as part of its effort to obtain information concerning his whereabouts.
Federal Unlawful Flight Case
On January 28, 2015, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania issued a federal arrest warrant for Cruz-Hernandez. He was federally charged with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. The federal warrant expanded the effort to locate him beyond the original Montgomery County proceedings.
The FBI continues to seek information that could assist authorities in locating Cruz-Hernandez. Individuals who encountered him after the Pennsylvania warrant was issued may possess information relevant to investigators. Information concerning residences, employment, associates, travel, or other locations connected with him may help authorities determine his movements.
More Than a Decade Since the Warrants
The state and federal warrants date to 2014 and 2015, respectively, making this a longstanding fugitive case. Because more than a decade has passed, Cruz-Hernandez's present appearance may differ from photographs associated with the original investigation. Information from former acquaintances or people who encountered him after the warrants were issued could still be relevant.
The underlying Pennsylvania charges also remain central to the case. Cruz-Hernandez is being sought so the allegations can be addressed through the judicial process. Anyone who believes they recognize him should contact authorities rather than attempting to approach him.
FBI Seeks Information From the Public
Anyone with information concerning Gerardo Cruz-Hernandez or his current whereabouts is encouraged to provide that information directly to the FBI or appropriate law-enforcement authorities. Information concerning where he may have traveled or lived after the January 2014 Pennsylvania arrest warrant could assist the continuing fugitive investigation. Members of the public should not attempt to apprehend or confront Cruz-Hernandez themselves.
