A Mexican national named Galo Herrera, who was accused of raping a young girl in Westchester County two decades ago, has finally been brought back to the US after fleeing to his home country. Mexican authorities apprehended Herrera and he was extradited to the US, where he was arraigned in Westchester County County Court on multiple sex offenses involving a child under the age of 13 at the time of the crime.
According to the Westchester District Attorney’s Office, Herrera forcibly raped the young girl between December 2006 and January 2007, and then fled after being indicted in 2008. District Attorney Susan Cacace stated, “Justice has no expiration date,” emphasizing the severity of the charges against Herrera.
Cacace, who has extensive experience in handling sex crimes cases, commended the multi-jurisdictional effort that led to Herrera’s extradition. Herrera, now 52, is facing charges of predatory sexual assault against a child, two counts of first-degree rape, and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child. He pleaded not guilty to the charges and is currently being held at Westchester County Jail.
It is still unclear when Herrera was apprehended in Mexico, but he is now in custody pending further legal proceedings. The Westchester County District Attorney’s Office encourages individuals who have been sexually assaulted to seek help and support. If you live in New York, you can call 1-800-942-6906 for free and confidential crisis counseling. If you are outside the state, you can contact the 24/7 National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673.
The extradition of Galo Herrera serves as a reminder that perpetrators of heinous crimes will be held accountable for their actions, regardless of how much time has passed. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies in both Mexico and the US have ensured that justice is served in this case.
