The case involving illegal immigrants accused of multiple rapes in Nevada has taken another turn, as they have had to withdraw their plea bargains, leading to the revival of numerous charges with the prosecutors.
Carlos Nava, a 49-year-old Mexican national, is on trial in Las Vegas, facing allegations of violent sexual assaults that span nearly two decades. It’s notable that he has re-entered the U.S. multiple times after being deported at least eight times since 2002. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency had confirmed this, despite his previous removals and several arrests for domestic violence and other offenses, with his most recent deportation occurring in 2020.
On July 30, Nava accepted a plea for one felony charge of sexual assault using a deadly weapon, as per court records. This plea essentially suggested that while he wasn’t admitting guilt, he recognized the likelihood of a conviction. His plea agreement also eliminated eight other charges. However, after choosing to withdraw this agreement on September 25, just when he was expected to be sentenced, prosecutors reinstated those charges.
According to Clark County Deputy District Attorney Julia Barker, there could be a connection to as many as 17 attacks linked to Nava. Six victims have been officially identified, with the remaining eleven still undisclosed. Barker remarked, “It’s really hard for someone to keep saying, ‘I didn’t do this’ when his sperm is in the place that probably shows that he did that,” highlighting the DNA evidence involved.
Details from the Metropolitan Police in Las Vegas reveal that 17 pairs of women’s underwear were found, neatly folded in a backpack. Court documents indicate that Nava has been facing charges dating back to 2010, with police continuing to search for more victims even after a reported assault in 2022, which led to him being spotted driving a white Ford truck.
Nava remains in custody at Clark County Detention Center, with a new trial date anticipated following his next court appearance on October 9.
