Joel Martin Mendez, a 33-year-old citizen of Guatemala, pleaded guilty on April 10 to illegally re-entering the United States and failing to register as a sex offender, according to an announcement by United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr.
Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Acting Chief Patrol Agent Javier Geronimo, Jr. of the U.S. Border Patrol. Court records show that prior to 2023, Martin Mendez entered the United States unlawfully. While in the country illegally, he communicated via text messages and phone calls with someone he believed was a 15-year-old girl; however, this individual was actually an undercover agent.
Martin Mendez responded to an advertisement on “Skip the Games,” a website known for escort services and adult entertainment that is often monitored by law enforcement due to its use in illegal prostitution and efforts against sex trafficking. He discussed prices for various sexual acts and arranged a meeting at a hotel in Monroe County, Michigan before being arrested by law enforcement officers.
He later pleaded guilty to two state felonies: children-accosting for immoral purposes and attempted computer-internet communication with intent to commit a crime. Martin Mendez received a sentence of 17 days’ incarceration along with five years’ probation and was ordered to register as a sex offender but failed do so before his removal from the United States back to Guatemala.
Detroit Sector Border Patrol agents identified that Martin Mendez had returned illegally after his removal 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 Geronimo. “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.”
The case was investigated by special agents from U.S. Border Patrol with prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Fairchild.
This matter is part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative focused on using Department of Justice resources against illegal immigration, criminal organizations, and violent crime.
