Roselle Man Wanted For Child Porn Nabbed On Flight Back To NJ

ROSELLE, NJ — A Union County man wanted for possession of child pornography and fled to South America was arrested on a flight back to New Jersey this weekend, acting Union County Prosecutor Michael A. Monahan announced Monday.

Jose Ravelo, 32, of the 600 block of Sheridan Avenue in Roselle had fled to Peru late last year after authorities found more than 1,000 digital images of child porn on more than 20 electronic devices at his Roselle home, Monahan said.

Authorities had issued a warrant for Ravelo's arrest following the search. They later found Ravel had fled to his native Peru, according to Union County Assistant Prosecutor Derek Nececkas, who is prosecuting the case.

However, Union County Sheriff’s Officer George Gyure found Ravelo had booked a flight back to Newark Liberty International Airport. Ravelo was arrested at the airport at Terminal C by Detective Colin McNamara at about 8:20 a.m. on Saturday, with other members of the Prosecutor’s Office, U.S. Marshals Task Force, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Port Authority Police Department helping.

Ravelo was charged with a single count of second-degree possession of child pornography/endangering the welfare of children.

He was processed and lodged in Union County Jail pending a first appearance and detention hearing expected to take place this week.

Ravelo faces 5 to 10 years in state prison on the second-degree criminal charges.

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