A New Jersey man is facing federal charges for allegedly enticing a minor and transporting her across state lines for illicit purposes, according to a recent arrest.
Arnold Castillo, 22, of Paterson, New Jersey, has been charged with transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity and coercion and enticement of a minor.
The investigation began in February 2022, when Castillo used a social media application to communicate with a minor child from central Indiana. Over several months, Castillo showered praise upon the minor, sent her gifts through an online retailer, and paid her money, tactics commonly referred to as ‘grooming.’
On or about May 3, 2022, Castillo coerced and enticed the minor to travel from Indiana to New Jersey for illicit purposes. Castillo paid and arranged for an Uber driver to pick up the minor and transport her across state lines to him.
Using data from the social media application and the online retailer, investigators traced the minor to an address in Patterson, New Jersey. On May 11, 2022, investigators recovered the minor from Castillo’s residence and later reunited her with her mother. New Jersey authorities arrested Castillo on state charges, and he was charged under seal in federal court in Indianapolis the following morning.
On May 12, 2022, Castillo appeared before a federal Magistrate Judge in the District of New Jersey and was detained and ordered removed to the Southern District of Indiana to face charges. Today, the defendant made his initial appearance in Indianapolis and was ordered detained in the custody of the United States Marshal pending trial.
If convicted, Castillo faces up to life in prison on each of the two charges. Actual sentences are determined by a federal district court judge and are typically less than the maximum penalties.
Related Federal Cases
- Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 120 Months for Attempted Transportation of a Minor · Texas
- Ryan Steele, Attempted Child Trafficking, Indiana 2023 · Texas
- James Venable, Child Pornography Possession, Indiana 2022 · Indiana
- Pawtucket Man Charged for Sex with Minor in the Dominican Republic · Indiana
- Spencer W. Caudle, Online Child Enticement, New Jersey 2023 · Texas
Key Facts
- State: Indiana
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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