Illegal Alien from Guatemala and Prior Convicted Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Illegally Returning to U.S. and Failing to Register as a Sex Offender

DETROIT - Joel Martin Mendez, 33, a Guatemalan illegal alien, pleaded guilty today to illegally re-entering the United States and failing to register as a sex offender, United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr. announced.

Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Acting Chief Patrol Agent Javier Geronimo, Jr., U.S. Border Patrol.

According to court records, sometime prior to 2023, Martin Mendez unlawfully entered the United States. While here illegally, Martin Mendez communicated via texts and phone calls with who he thought was a 15-year-old female-but was an undercover agent. Martin Mendez responded to a "Skip the Games" online classified website known as a platform for advertising escort services and adult entertainment. This site is often used for illegal prostitution and is frequently monitored by law enforcement to combat sex trafficking. Martin Mendez discussed prices for various sex acts and arranged to meet the girl at a hotel in Monroe County, Michigan. But law enforcement arrested him. Martin Mendez pleaded guilty to two state felonies (children-accosting for immoral purposes and attempted computer-internet communication to do a crime) but was sentenced to only 17 days' incarceration and 5 years' probation. He was also ordered to register on the sex offender registry. Martin Mendez failed to register as a sex offender prior to his removal to Guatemala. Detroit Sector Border Patrol identified that Martin Mendez thereafter illegally returned to the U.S. and arrested him in February.

"Joel Martin Mendez is another reminder of how illegal immigration endangers Americans. This illegal alien broke into our country and tried to sexually abuse one of our children," said Gorgon.

"I am incredibly proud of the dedication and professionalism demonstrated by our Detroit Sector agents and our law enforcement partners in apprehending this convicted child predator, who had previously been removed from the United States and illegally returned," said Acting Chief Patrol Agent Javier Geronimo Jr., U.S. Border Patrol Detroit Sector. "This case underscores our unwavering commitment to protecting our communities. Through their vigilance and teamwork, this dangerous offender has been taken off our streets, making our neighborhoods safer for the families we are sworn to protect."

This case was investigated by the special agents of the U.S. Border Patrol and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Fairchild.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.