Eleuterio Suarez Wanted by FBI in Tennessee Child Rape Investigation
Multiple Sexual Assault Allegations
Eleuterio Suarez is wanted in connection with the alleged repeated rape of a 9-year-old girl in Franklin, Tennessee, according to information released by the FBI. Authorities say the alleged sexual assaults occurred on multiple occasions during 2011. The investigation resulted in numerous state charges before federal authorities later became involved in the search for Suarez.
Nine Criminal Charges Filed
In December 2014, the Circuit Court for Williamson County in Franklin, Tennessee, issued an arrest warrant for Suarez. He was charged with five counts of rape of a child, three counts of aggravated sexual battery, and one count of solicitation to commit rape of a child. The charges stem from the reported abuse of the 9-year-old victim.
The number of charges reflects allegations involving multiple offenses rather than a single incident. Suarez was not brought before the Tennessee court to resolve the case and subsequently became the subject of a fugitive investigation. The charges remain pending allegations unless established through the judicial process.
Federal Authorities Join the Search
The investigation became a federal fugitive case the following year. On September 24, 2015, the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee in Nashville issued a federal arrest warrant for Suarez. He was federally charged with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.
The federal warrant allowed authorities to expand efforts to locate Suarez beyond Tennessee. Investigators have continued seeking information concerning where he traveled following the issuance of the state warrant. His subsequent connection to Mexico became an important development in the search.
Last Known Location in Mexico
According to the FBI, Suarez was last known to be in Mexico in 2016 and may have been in Veracruz. The information provides investigators with a possible international connection approximately one year after the federal warrant was issued. His current whereabouts, however, remain unknown.
Because the reported Veracruz information dates to 2016, Suarez may have traveled elsewhere during the years since. Individuals who encountered him in Mexico or maintained contact with him after 2016 may possess information that could help investigators reconstruct his movements. Information concerning residences, employment, associates, or travel may also be relevant.
Years-Long Fugitive Investigation
More than a decade has passed since Tennessee authorities issued the original arrest warrant for Suarez. His appearance may therefore have changed from photographs released during the earlier stages of the investigation. Authorities continue seeking information capable of identifying where he has lived or traveled since becoming a fugitive.
The underlying case remains unresolved while Suarez is sought on the outstanding warrants. Information from former acquaintances, coworkers, relatives, or others familiar with his movements could potentially assist authorities. Even older information may help investigators establish a timeline of his whereabouts.
FBI Seeks Public Assistance
Anyone with information concerning Eleuterio Suarez or his current location is encouraged to contact the FBI or appropriate law-enforcement authorities. Information concerning his reported presence in Mexico, including his possible connection to Veracruz in 2016, may be particularly relevant to the investigation. Members of the public should report possible sightings directly to authorities rather than attempting to approach or apprehend Suarez.
