WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – In a disturbing case of kidnapping and exploitation, two Washington, Pennsylvania men have been found guilty of transporting a low-functioning Wheeling woman across state lines for illegal sexual activity.
Jose Jesús TAPIA MONTES, 38, and Elmer Pina PINTO, 44, entered pleas of guilty on April 15, 2013, in United States District Court in Wheeling before Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr.
The investigation, led by the F.B.I. with assistance from the Wheeling Police Department and the Harmony House Child Advocacy Center, revealed that MONTES and PINTO kidnapped the woman in July and held her captive for four days, engaging in illegal sexual activity throughout.
U.S. Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II stated that the men’s actions were a serious breach of trust and a violation of the victim’s rights.
MONTES and PINTO face up to 10 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. They are currently in custody pending sentencing.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr.
The F.B.I. and local law enforcement agencies have been working diligently to bring justice to victims of similar crimes in the region.
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Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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