OCEAN CITY, MD - The Ocean City Police Department has announced the arrest of a New Jersey man accused of rape in Worcester County who allegedly tried to flee to Mexico.
The suspect was previously apprehended in Philadelphia but released on bail before he could be brought back to Maryland.
Police first launched their investigation into Adrian Castaneda Sanchez, 38, a New Jersey resident, in August, and a warrant for his arrest was issued on multiple charges including first-degree rape, second-degree rape, and assault.
According to police, detectives traveled to New Jersey last month to execute the warrant, but Castaneda Sanchez was away for work. The suspect agreed to meet with authorities on Halloween, police say, but then instead attempted to board a flight out of the country at the Philadelphia International Airport. Customs and Border Patrol apprehended Castaneda Sanchez before he could leave, saying he was attempting to board a flight to Cancun.
“The quick actions by Customs and Border Protection officers prevented a suspect of seriously heinous charges from fleeing the United States,” said Shawn Polley, CBP’s Acting Area Port Director for the Area Port of Philadelphia. “CBP’s continued commitment to assist our law enforcement partners ensures that victims have a voice, and that fugitives of serious crimes have their day in court.”
Castaneda Sanchez was then turned over to the Philadelphia Police Department for extradition back to Maryland. According to Ocean City Police, however, the Pennsylvania court process required a bail hearing. Castaneda Sanchez posted $30,000 bail and was released from custody before the extradition. The arrest warrant in Worcester County was never served and remained active.
“The Ocean City Police Department and the Maryland State Apprehension Team have been relentlessly searching for Castaneda Sanchez since he was released on bail in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania last month,” Ocean City Police tell WBOC.
On Monday, November 13th, Castaneda Sanchez turned himself in to the Maryland State Police in Frederick, police say. He was then finally brought back to Worcester County for a court appearance.
Castaneda Sanchez faces the following charges in Worcester County:
-2 counts of first-degree rape
-2 counts of second-degree rape
-Third-degree sex offense
-3 counts of fourth-degree sexual contact
-2 counts of second-degree assault.