Police Search For Man Wanted On Child Rape Charges And His Two Kids

NEW BEDFORD, MA — Police are asking for the public's help in their search for an accused child rapist and his two missing children out of New Bedford.

Leon Mejia-Vincente, 46, a citizen of Guatemala, was recently living in New Bedford with his two children, who were identified by the Bristol County District Attorney's Office as 5-year-old Hector Mejia-Saquic and 17-year-old "Marta" Petronila Mejia-Saquic.

New Bedford police say Mejia-Vincente fled the area after he was issued an arrest warrant for the rape and sexual abuse of a child.

Officials say the children are believed to be in danger.

Anyone with information is asked to call Massachusetts State Police at 800-527-8873 or New Bedford Police Det. Sasha Vincente at 508-971-8569.