Guatemalan man indicted for traveling to Cape May County, NJ, to kidnap child for sex
A federal grand jury has indicted a Guatemalan man for traveling to Cape May County last year to kidnap a child for sexual activity.
Sergio Gomez indicted
Officials say 22-year-old Sergio Gomez, a.k.a “Abner Abigail Chub-Choc,” was in Camden federal court on Thursday and ordered detained on one charge each of enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, transportation of a minor to engage in sexual activity, and kidnapping.
Guatemala to Cape May County to Georgia
Federal authorities allege Gomez used the internet and a cellphone to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity. On July 30th, 2023, Gomez arrived in Cape May County and took that minor to Georgia for that purpose. The FBI was able to rescue the youth on August 3rd.
Potential for life in prison
The count of enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity carries a ten to 20-year prison term. The other two charges Gomez is facing could send him to prison for the rest of his life. Each count also carries a fine of up to $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger thanked special agents with the FBI, the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Middle Township Police Department for their work in this case. The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn R. Waegener of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Camden.
The public is reminded that charges are accusations and all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.