A 43-year-old Mexican national is in custody in South Carolina following a series of events that began with a minor giving birth in a hospital parking lot. Luis Armando Argueta Montejo faces charges of incest and three counts of criminal sexual conduct with a child after an investigation by the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation was launched after a minor, between the ages of 11 and 14, gave birth in the parking lot of Oconee Memorial Hospital.
Authorities allege that Montejo engaged in sexual intercourse with the victim. While Montejo reportedly told U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that he first entered the United States in 2006, he has no prior criminal record in the country.
On April 17, ICE lodged an arrest detainer for Montejo. This measure is intended to ensure that he is transferred into federal custody for deportation proceedings once his state legal proceedings are completed.
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Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis issued a statement regarding the case, describing the suspect’s presence in the country as a direct threat to public safety.
“This sicko should NEVER have been in our country to prey on children in the first place,” Bis said. “He now faces charges for incest and multiple child sex crimes. Prior to these horrific crimes, this illegal alien lacked a criminal record in the U.S.”
Bis also emphasized the role of local law enforcement in the process, noting that South Carolina’s cooperation with federal authorities is a key factor in the case.
“Under Secretary Mullin, ICE lodged an arrest detainer with South Carolina to ensure this monster is never loose in our communities again,” she stated. “Thankfully, South Carolina cooperates with ICE law enforcement. This is why we need cooperation from state and local partners, so together we can keep criminals off our streets and make America safe again.”
The Department of Homeland Security noted that individuals affected by crimes involving non-citizens can seek assistance through the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Office. Support services are available by contacting 1-855-488-6423.
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