Harrisonburg, Virginia – A shocking case of carnal knowledge has left a community reeling. Leonel Hernandez-Zelaya, a 39-year-old El Salvadoran immigrant, was sentenced to 12 months in federal prison for his role in the abuse of a 14-year-old girl.
According to court documents, Hernandez-Zelaya has shown a blatant disregard for the immigration laws of the United States by repeatedly reentering the country after being legally removed. In September 2007, Hernandez-Zelaya was removed to El Salvador following his arrest for illegally entering the United States without proper authorization.
Hernandez-Zelaya was again removed from the United States in May 2008. At some point, he returned to the United States without authorization and has been living illegally in the Western District of Virginia, and elsewhere, ever since.
In July 2025, Hernandez-Zelaya was convicted in state court of carnal knowledge of a 14-year-old without force out of Warren County, Virginia. The Warren County Circuit Court sentenced him to five years, with all but five months suspended, and three years’ probation.
The case took a dark turn when Hernandez-Zelaya was found to have victimized a 14-year-old by having sexual intercourse with her on at least three occasions. If Hernandez-Zelaya had followed the immigration order of removal and remained in El Salvador, these heinous acts may not have occurred.
The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charlene R. Day prosecuted the case for the United States.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the federal government to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Defendant Information:
Defendant: Leonel Hernandez-Zelaya
Criminal Charges: Illegal reentry of a previously removed alien, carnal knowledge of a 14-year-old without force
City and State: Harrisonburg, Virginia
Exact Date: July 2025 (sentencing), September 2007 (arrest), May 2008 (removal)
Sentence or Outcome: 12 months in federal prison
Source: Federal authorities
Related Federal Cases
- Thomas W. Almberg, Coercing Minors for Sex, Virginia, 2023 · Virginia
- Alexander C. Sullivan, Child Pornography Possession, Virginia 2024 · Maryland
- Joseph Downing Barnes Jr., Child Porn Distribution, Virginia 2023 · Virginia
- LaMarcus Thomas, Child Pornography Production, Virginia 2024 · Alabama
- Clifton R. Summerfield, Failure to Update Sex Offender Registration, West Virginia 2024 · Virginia
Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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