Washington man pleads guilty to transporting a minor for sex

             ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Raheshi De Angelo Horace, 37, of Tacoma, Washington, pleaded guilty in federal court on Sept. 22 to a charge of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. Horace remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing.

             According to a criminal complaint, on March 6, Horace was sexually abusing an eight-year old victim when the victim’s mother entered the room and caught him. The mother immediately removed Horace from the residence and called 911. Horace met the mother in Tacoma, Washington, in 2016 before moving with the mother and her children to Arizona and later to New Mexico. In the plea agreement, Horace admitted to transporting the victim to New Mexico with the intent to engage in sexual activity.

             By the terms of the plea agreement, Horace faces 20 years in prison followed by supervised release for life.

             Homeland Security Investigations and the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Marisa A. Ong is prosecuting the case.