Mexican National Extradited To Westchester To Face Child Rape Charges

MOUNT VERNON, NY — A fugitive, who has been out of the reach of authorities for years, has been returned to Westchester County to face charges.

Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace announced that a Mexican national, who had been a fugitive from justice since his 2008 indictment on rape and sexual assault charges, was captured by Mexican authorities, extradited to Westchester County and arraigned in Westchester County Court on Monday.

Between December 2006 and January 2007, Galo Herrera is alleged to have forcibly raped a girl who was under the age of 13 years old. He fled the jurisdiction before he could be arrested.

In 2008, Herrera was indicted on one count of felony predatory sexual assault against a child, two counts of felony first-degree rape, and three counts of misdemeanor endangering the welfare of a child.

The 52-year-old was arraigned before County Court Judge Sheralyn Pulver and remanded to the custody of the Westchester County Department of Correction pending further proceedings. He pleaded not guilty to all of the charges.

"Justice has no expiration date. The defendant’s horrendous conduct, as alleged in the indictment, is no less shocking nearly two decades later," Cacace said. "I am grateful to our law enforcement partners in Mexico and the U.S. who brought Mr. Herrera to answer for these charges. This multi-jurisdictional effort exemplifies my commitment to working with any and all agency partners in furtherance of community safety."

The case is being investigated by the Mount Vernon Police Department, the Westchester County DA's Office and the FBI. The Westchester County Department of Labs and Research and the New York State Police Crime Lab assisted during the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Charlotte Gudis and Christine Hatfield, Chief of the Child and Elder Abuse Bureau.