Immigration agents arrest alleged sex offender in county

Published: Monday, January 25, 2010 9:22 PM CST

HORN LAKE –- Immigration agents last week arrested a Mexican national convicted of fondling a minor in DeSoto County.

Juan Vera-Serna, 34, was identified by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Office of Detention and Removal Operations officers on May 7 during screening at the Horn Lake Police Department following his arrest for simple assault, simple assault with intent and felony child fondling.

During an interview, he provided an alias name to officers. However, fingerprint checks revealed his true identity and the fact that he had been previously removed from the United States in 1994.

Since Vera-Serna had previously been removed from the United States, his case was presented to the U. S. Attorney’s Office in Northern Mississippi for criminal prosecution as an illegal reentry.

“ICE will continue using its unique immigration authorities to identify and arrest those who present a threat to our community,â€