NEWARK, N.J. (1010 WINS) -- A 35-year-old man was sentenced to nearly eight years in federal prison on Tuesday for having sex with a 15-year-old girl in New Jersey and for illegally re-entering the United States, officials said.
Juan Carlos Morales Pedraza, had pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor and illegally entering the United States after having been deported, acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig said.
According to prosecutors, Morales Pedraza met the teen in Paterson on April 13, 2019, and just two days later engaged in sexual intercourse with her.
Morales Pedraza and the victim left New Jersey, with plans to travel to Illinois.
He admitted that he planned to engage in sexual conduct with the victim in Illinois. Law enforcement arrested Morales Pedraza in Ohio, Honig added.
“Morales Pedraza admitted that he planned to engage in sexual conduct with the victim in Illinois. Law enforcement arrested Morales Pedraza in Ohio,” Honig said in a statement.
He also admitted that he is a citizen of Mexico and that he illegally entered the United States after having previously been deported, the statement added.
A judge also sentenced Morales Pedraza to three years of supervised release in addition to his prison term.