SWIFT Taskforce Arrests Suspected Sex Offender

Albuquerque, NM - Deputy U.S. Marshals assigned to the U.S. Marshals Service South West Investigative Fugitive Team (SWIFT) Task Force arrested fugitive Rafael Gonzales, 30.

Gonzales was wanted by the Santa Fe County Sherriff’s Office for multiple felony warrants, including; Kidnapping (X2), Criminal Sexual Penetration of Minor Under 13 YOA, Criminal Sexual Contact of a Minor (Child under 13 YOA), and Criminal Sexual Contact of a minor (over 13YOA/Position of Authority) stemming from multiple incidents that occurred between August 2008 and May 12, 2016.

Due to surveillance by Deputy U.S. Marshals and extensive law enforcement networking, Gonzales was tracked down across multiple local jurisdictions and safely apprehended. Gonzales was located and arrested on the 1100 block of San Mateo NE in Albuquerque, NM and was found in possession of a handcuff key. The SWIFT Taskforce Officers involved in the fugitive investigation and arrest represent the Santa Fe County Sherriff’s Office and U.S. Marshal’s Office.

United States Marshal Conrad E. Candelaria said, “Wanted for several serious criminal offenses against children, the Marshals Service assumed the responsibility to assist a law enforcement partner in pursuing the whereabouts and apprehension of the fugitive. With strong resolve that was combined with sound investigative skills, the members of the task force followed-up on numerous investigative leads until the arrest occurred; moreover, the fugitive can no longer harm innocent children”.