Image Credit: Middle Tennessee Fugitive Task Force & Facebook.
Article by Olivia Lupia, Tennessee Conservative News –
An illegal alien accused of sexually assaulting multiple boys while helping run a youth sports program in Franklin, TN was arrested in the Dominican Republic and returned to the United States last week after he fled the country upon learning of law enforcement’s investigation.
32-year-old Fernando Gonzalez Ramierz, a Panamanian citizen, was wanted in Franklin after allegedly sexually assaulting multiple boys between 2023 and 2024 while helping run a youth program that a spokesperson from the Franklin Police Department described as “an organization that ran summer baseball camps for youth players from Latin countries and helped them come to the US to play baseball.”
Ramirez then reportedly fled the country when he learned law enforcement was investigating him after two boys came forward with assault allegations.
Sexual Assault Center Community Relations Manager Atarah Smith called the boys brave, saying, “You could be an adult, and it’s still difficult to come forward. So, the fact that they did, they showed a lot of courage.”
The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) tracked Ramirez across multiple countries, including Mexico, Japan, and Panama, before determining he was in the Dominican Republic (DR) last Monday. USMS sent a lead investigator to the Foreign Field Office in the DR and Ramirez was arrested within hours.
Ramirez was flown to New Jersey on Tuesday and is currently awaiting extradition to Tennessee to face prosecution for the state charges. The investigation is ongoing as law enforcement officials believe Ramirez may have additional victims.
“Any time somebody is apprehended in a situation like this and they’re able to be held accountable, that means a lot to survivors,” Smith said. “It gives them the opportunity to see that the justice system takes their concerns and their trauma seriously.”
Ramirez is the second illegal alien youth sports coach in Franklin that has been reported to be sexually abusing children this year.
Camilo Campos-Hurtado, an illegal alien from Mexico who has lived in Tennessee for over 20 years, was recently sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for drugging and raping boys ages 9-17 on his soccer team and recording the assaults for at least a decade.
Alongside multiple counts of child exploitation, Campos-Hurtado also pleaded guilty to immigration fraud charges and is expected to be deported to Mexico after serving his time.
“In my nearly 25 years in law enforcement, and almost as much time being a dad, this is one of the most disgusting, unraveling cases we’ve ever encountered.” said Franklin Police Dept. Lt. Charles Warner of Campos-Hurtado’s at the time of Campos-Hurtado’s sentence.
Some Tennesseans are calling for stronger immigration enforcement actions to protect children as cases like these continue to surface throughout the state and nation.
“Two illegal alien predators, both coaching kids’ sports in the same Tennessee town, both abusing the trust of parents and children. This is exactly why Tennessee needs more ICE presence!!! These men never should have been here in the first place! Every day they remain free to coach, mentor, or interact with kids is a preventable risk. Stronger enforcement and faster removal protect Franklin’s children!!!” advocated one social media commentator who tracks illegal alien activity in the state.
Sources:
WKRN.
MSN.
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
