Federal immigration authorities arrested a previously charged child sex offender on the National Mall earlier this week.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed the identity of the suspect as David Perez-Teofani, an illegal alien from Mexico with a final order of removal. ICE stated that Perez-Teofani had entered the United States illegally at least three times and was previously arrested in Fairfax County, Virginia, on January 30, 2024.
According to court records and ICE officials, he was charged with aggravated sexual battery of a minor under 13 and felony indecent liberties involving proposed sex acts. However, those charges were later nolle prossed after the victim and her mother stopped cooperating with police, ceased responding to calls, and failed to appear at court hearings. Prosecutors stated that the charges were dismissed without prejudice, meaning they could be refiled should the victim wish to move forward in the future.
The arrest on the National Mall was witnessed by multiple bystanders, including NBC Washington reporter Aimee Cho, who shared video of the apprehension. In the footage, several officers tackled the suspect after he appeared to flee. Cho reported that Perez-Teofani was heard shouting in Spanish, “Please, I’m not a criminal, I work here, I want to be with my family.”
ICE later confirmed the man’s identity and arrest, citing his criminal history and immigration violations.
In response to the arrest, Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services Trisha McLaughlin posted to X:
“Yes this illegal alien from Mexico was previously arrested in January 2024 in Fairfax County for aggravated sexual assault of a child under 13.
Glad he is off of Washington DC’s streets thanks to @POTUS Trump, @Sec_Noem and @ICEgov.”
Yes this illegal alien from Mexico was previously arrested in January 2024 in Fairfax County for aggravated sexual assault of a child under 13.
Glad he is off of Washington DC’s streets thanks to @POTUS Trump, @Sec_Noem and @ICEgov. https://t.co/nzWJ8WAm24
— Tricia McLaughlin (@TriciaOhio) August 20, 2025
Perez-Teofani is currently in ICE custody and is expected to face removal proceedings.
