The hidden identity of a Lawrence man charged with two counts of child rape has been revealed — along with his illegal immigration status, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesman John Mohan.
An immigration detainer request was issued with the Essex County House of Corrections for Robely Eladio de Jesus Guerrero, also known as “Jonathan Llopiz,” who was charged with raping two girls under the age of 11.
“Following an investigation, ICE determined that de Jesus Guerrero is a citizen and national of the Dominican Republic. ICE ERO (Enforcement and Removal Operations) will seek to take him into custody upon the resolution of his pending criminal charges in order to commence removal proceedings,” said Mohan in a statement.
Guerrero, who was wanted by police for more than a year, was arrested in Lawrence last week on drug-dealing charges. He also previously has been charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Police reports state Guerrero was jailed for five years for trafficking a controlled substance.
A dangerousness hearing at Lawrence District Court yesterday, where Guerrero did not appear at the request of his lawyer, determined he will remain in custody until a probable cause hearing on Dec. 18.
Guerrero’s lawyer John Valerio, identifying him as Llopiz in court, said yesterday that there are “identification issues” with the rape charges.
“Neither person (victim) knows who Jonathan is or where he is from,” Valerio said, adding that he wanted his client to stay out of the public eye.
“That image will be burned in the minds of witnesses and victims from here on out,” said Valerio.
Valerio also said the two victims knew each other, implying that Llopiz’s “tainted” identification was based on rumors.
“There’s more to this story than meets the eye,” Valerio said.
Presiding Judge Lynn Rooney said Llopiz is considered dangerous and is not to have any contact with the victims or witnesses. He will remain held without bail.
James Scott, a Saugus police officer and an expert on stolen identities, said impostors like Guerrero often obtain a Massachusetts license using a stolen identity.
“This license fraud, this has enabled impostors to do all kinds of stuff,” Scott said. He said getting justice for the victims of stolen identities is of top importance to him in these cases.
“It just keeps happening over and over and over again and this case was pretty horrific,” Scott said, adding that police are “getting better” at identifying and catching impostors.