A Mexican national, Carlos Nava, aged 49, faces serious legal repercussions after withdrawing a plea agreement in a case involving multiple allegations of rape and sexual assault against 17 victims in Nevada.
Nava is now set to stand trial in Las Vegas for violent sexual offenses that reportedly span nearly two decades.
His immigration history reveals a pattern of illegal re-entry into the U.S., as he has been deported at least eight times since 2002.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed to 8 News Now that he had prior arrests for offenses including battery and domestic abuse, with his last deportation occurring in 2020.
On July 30, Nava entered what is called an Alford plea for one count of felony sexual assault involving a deadly weapon, according to court filings, as reported by 8 News Now.
This type of plea allows a defendant to acknowledge the likelihood of conviction based on the evidence, while not admitting guilt. For Nava, this plea led to the dismissal of eight other charges.
However, when Nava withdrew his plea on September 25, right before his sentencing, the original charges were reinstated by the prosecutors.
According to Nevada Globe, Clark County Deputy District Attorney Julia Barker stated in court that Nava could be linked to as many as 17 assaults.
While six victims have been identified, 11 others remain unrecognizedâincluding two who were minors at the time of their assault.
Barker remarked, âItâs really challenging for someone to maintain the claim of âI didnât do thisâ when DNA evidence indicates otherwise.â
She also noted that police discovered 17 pairs of womenâs underwear that were neatly folded and stored in a backpack that contained latex gloves and was secured with a rubber band.
Records obtained by Fox News Digital indicate that Nava’s string of charges dates back to 2010.
Documents from Las Vegas police indicate that officers were actively searching for additional assault victims in 2022, and recent sightings placed Nava in a white Ford truck.
Nava remains incarcerated at the Clark County Detention Center. A new trial date is anticipated following his upcoming court appearance on October 9.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Clark County District Attorneyâs Office for more details.
