Sex Trafficking Leads to Arraignment of Andres Castaneda-Guzman
ATLANTA – A chilling crime has shaken the community as Andres Castaneda-Guzman, a 24-year-old man from Jonesboro, Georgia, has been arraigned on charges of kidnapping a 14-year-old girl from Texas and bringing her to Georgia for sex.
According to U.S. Attorney Byung J. ‘BJay’ Pak, the indictment alleges that on the evening of September 3, 2017, Castaneda-Guzman persuaded the minor female to get into his vehicle in Terrell, Texas. He then drove her to Georgia, where he eventually took her to a hotel in Stockbridge and allegedly forced her to have sexual intercourse with him.
The girl was recovered after Castaneda-Guzman’s former in-laws in Jonesboro notified him that Clayton County law enforcement officers were seeking her return. This disturbing case has sparked outrage, with authorities vowing to bring the perpetrator to justice.
Castaneda-Guzman, who is in the United States illegally, lived in Jonesboro, Georgia, until August 2017, when he moved to Terrell, Texas. He was indicted on November 14, 2017.
U.S. Attorney Pak emphasized the importance of prosecuting violent crime, including child exploitation. ‘This kidnapping and sexual assault of a minor is stunning,’ he said. ‘Prosecuting violent crime, including child exploitation, is an important priority for the Department of Justice.’
The investigation is being led by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Traynor is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.
Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is a stark reminder of the dangers of child exploitation and the importance of vigilance in protecting our children.
Defendant: Andres Castaneda-Guzman
Criminal Charges: Kidnapping a minor and transporting a minor across state lines for the purpose of engaging in unlawful sexual activity
City and State: Jonesboro, Georgia/Terrell, Texas
Exact Date: September 3, 2017
Sentence or Outcome: Currently arraigned and awaiting trial
Key Facts
- State: Georgia
- Category: Sex Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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