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  4. CBP Officers at Roma Int'l Bridge Arrest 86-Year-Old Fugitive Wanted on Alleged Criminal Sexual Conduct Charges

CBP Officers at Roma Int'l Bridge Arrest 86-Year-Old Fugitive Wanted on Alleged Criminal Sexual Conduct Charges

Release Date
Thu, 03/17/2011

Roma, Texas - U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers working at the Roma International Bridge arrested an 86-year-old man wanted on alleged criminal sexual conduct charges.

On March 17, CBP officers working at the Roma International Bridge came in contact with a northbound 2010 GMC pickup truck. A male passenger in the truck was identified as Leonel Vela Salinas, a Mexican citizen from Canton, Michigan.

While at primary, a check of a national crime database identified Vela Salinas as a fugitive wanted by the Detroit Michigan Police Department on first, second and third degree felony charges of alleged criminal sexual conduct with a person under the age of 13.

Vela Salinas was referred to secondary where CBP officers confirmed the alleged charges. After his arrest, Vela Salinas was transferred to the custody of Roma, Texas Police Department. Pending extradition back to Michigan, Vela Salinas remains incarcerated.

Cris Cantu, CBP Port Director, Roma/Falcon Dam said, "Our frontline officers continue to screen arriving international travelers and arrest those that are identified as fugitives." Cantu further said, "I commend our officers for their work arresting and transferring this fugitive to state custody."

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021