Costa Rican fugitive wanted for child rape is captured in Honolulu

Federal agents in Honolulu captured a Costa Rican man wanted in his native country for raping a 3-year-old child a decade ago, officials announced Monday.

Diego Mata Sanchez, 46, was arrested on immigration violations at a Honolulu residence Friday night by members of the U.S. Marshals’ Adam Walsh Sex Offender Task Force and agents of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.

Mata Sanchez is wanted in Costa Rica for molesting and raping a 3-year-old child in 2001, officials said. He was the subject of an INTERPOL warrant issued in April 2009 accusing him of rape, crimes against children and sexual offenses. 

"After so many years, this suspect undoubtedly believed he’d eluded justice, but obviously he underestimated law enforcement’s resolve," said Wayne Wills, special agent in charge for HSI in Hawaii.

Mata Sanchez did not have legal authorization to be in the United States and is now in ICE custody, federal officials said. He will be scheduled for a deportation hearing.