Two Pennsylvania Men Enter Pleas Of Guilty To Sexual Assault Charge

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WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Two Washington, Pennsylvania, men entered pleas of guilty on April 15, 2013, in United States District Court in Wheeling before Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. in relation to the kidnapping of a low-functioning Wheeling woman and taking her across state lines to engage in illegal sexual activity for four days in July.

According to U.S. Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, Jose Jesús TAPIA MONTES, age 38, and Elmer Pina PINTO, age 44, of Washington, Pennsylvania, entered pleas of guilty to “Aiding and Abetting in the Transportation of an Individual in Interstate Commerce with Intent to Engage in Illegal Sexual Activity.”

MONTES and PINTO, who are in custody pending sentencing, faces up to 10 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.

The F.B.I. was assisted by the Wheeling Police Department and the Harmony House Child Advocacy Center in the investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr.