In a significant development, 71-year-old Carlos Blanco has been extradited from Spain to the United States after evading the authorities for 12 years. Blanco is facing federal charges of child pornography possession and distribution in the Southern District of Florida. He initially appeared in Miami federal court this week, following his arrest in Spain and subsequent request for extradition made by the U.S. government. The arrest culminates years of effort by federal law enforcement agencies and highlights the importance of international cooperation in combating crimes against children.
Defendant Extradited from Spain to Face Child Pornography Charges in Miami Federal Court
In a significant development, a defendant, who had been on the run for 12 years, has been extradited from Spain to the United States to face federal child pornography charges. Carlos Blanco, a 71-year-old, made his initial appearance in Miami federal court after being arrested in Spain and subsequently extradited. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the background information, extradition process, initial court appearance, previous arrest and release on bond, failure to appear for a change of plea hearing, declarations of fugitive status, the arrest in Spain, and the investigation and prosecution involved in this case.
Summary
Carlos Blanco, a fugitive for 12 years, has been extradited from Spain to face federal child pornography possession and distribution charges in the Southern District of Florida. After his initial arrest in 2010, Blanco was released on bond but failed to appear for a change of plea hearing. He was declared a fugitive until his arrest in Spain in 2023. Blanco has now made his first appearance in Miami federal court.
Background Information
Carlos Blanco, a citizen of the United States, Honduras, and Cuba, was originally arrested on November 3, 2010, on charges of possessing and distributing child pornography. After the indictment, Blanco was expected to plead guilty but failed to appear for the change of plea hearing. As a result, an arrest warrant was issued, and Blanco was declared a fugitive in February 2011.
Extradition Process
In March 2023, Blanco was located and arrested in Spain following a request for his provisional arrest made by the U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs (OIA). Subsequently, Blanco consented to his extradition to the United States, initiating the formal extradition process between the two countries.
Initial Appearance in Miami Federal Court
After his extradition from Spain, Carlos Blanco made his initial appearance in Miami federal court. This appearance marked his return to the United States to face the charges of child pornography possession and distribution.
Previous Arrest and Release on Bond
Following his original arrest in 2010, Carlos Blanco was released on bond after initial hearings before a federal magistrate judge. However, Blanco failed to appear for the change of plea hearing, leading to the issuance of an arrest warrant and his subsequent declaration as a fugitive.
Failure to Appear for Change of Plea Hearing
Carlos Blanco’s failure to appear for the change of plea hearing in February 2011 resulted in the issuing of an arrest warrant and his subsequent designation as a fugitive. Blanco remained a fugitive for over 12 years until his arrest in Spain in 2023.
Declarations of Fugitive Status
In February 2011, following Carlos Blanco’s failure to appear for the change of plea hearing, the court officially declared him a fugitive. This designation remained in effect until Blanco’s arrest in Spain and his subsequent extradition to the United States.
Arrest in Spain and Extradition Consent
In March 2023, Carlos Blanco was located and arrested in Spain based on a request for his provisional arrest made by the U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs (OIA). Blanco consented to his extradition to the United States, which initiated the formal extradition process between Spain and the United States.
Gratitude to Parties Involved
Markenzy Lapointe, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, expressed his gratitude to the FBI Miami’s Crimes Against Children and Human Trafficking Task Force, the government of Spain, the Spanish Civil Guard, and Interpol for their assistance in the capture and extradition of Carlos Blanco. Additionally, Lapointe acknowledged the significant assistance provided by the U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs (OIA) in securing the defendant’s extradition.
Investigation and Prosecution
The criminal case against Carlos Blanco was investigated by FBI Miami, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cory O’Neal is responsible for prosecuting the case. It is important to note that an indictment is merely an accusation, and Blanco is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
In conclusion, the extradition of Carlos Blanco from Spain to face federal child pornography charges in Miami federal court marks a significant development after his 12-year period as a fugitive. The cooperation and assistance provided by law enforcement agencies and international partners played a crucial role in bringing Blanco back to the United States to face justice. The investigation and prosecution of this case will continue as the legal process unfolds.