Fugitive Child Rape Suspect Caught, Headed Back To NJ For Trial

ELIZABETH, NJ — A Union County man who was at large for 18 years and wanted for raping a minor was captured on April 9 in Florida, Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel announced Tuesday.

Hellarion Meneses, 49, of Elizabeth, was charged in 2006 with one count of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, one count of second-degree sexual assault, and one count of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, who was under 13 years old at the time.

Meneses is accused of sexually assaulting a minor over two years between 2004 and 2006, said authorities.

After he was charged, Meneses fled the jurisdiction and was at large for 18 years.

Meneses was arrested on April 9 by the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office in Kissimmee, Florida and is currently in custody, awaiting extradition.

This investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with further information about Meneses is urged to contact Union County Special Victims Unit Lieutenant Janet Lopez at 908-347-8491 or Detective Jorge Rios at 908-403-0044.

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