Undocumented Immigrant Accused of Multiple Sexual Assaults in Nevada Faces Trial After Retracting Plea Deal
An undocumented immigrant accused of multiple sexual assaults in Nevada has decided to retract a plea deal, leading to the reinstatement of several charges against him. Carlos Nava, a Mexican national, is now set to stand trial in Las Vegas for alleged violent sexual assaults that span nearly two decades. Despite being deported multiple times since 2002, Nava continued to re-enter the U.S. illegally, with the latest deportation occurring in 2020. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed his repeated re-entry despite prior removals and arrests for battery and domestic violence.
Nava had initially entered an Alford plea to one felony count of sexual assault with a deadly weapon on July 30, which allowed him to acknowledge the likelihood of a conviction without admitting guilt. This plea deal resulted in the dismissal of eight other charges against him. However, Nava's decision to withdraw the plea deal on the day of his scheduled sentencing led to the reinstatement of those charges by prosecutors.
According to Clark County Deputy District Attorney Julia Barker, Nava may be linked to as many as 17 assaults, with six victims identified and 11 others remaining unknown, including two minors. Barker highlighted DNA evidence as a key factor in connecting Nava to the crimes, mentioning the discovery of 17 pairs of underwear stored in a backpack along with latex gloves and tied with a rubber band. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police were actively seeking additional assault victims in 2022, with Nava being spotted in a white ford truck after one incident.
Nava, who is currently detained at the Clark County Detention Center, is awaiting a new trial date following his upcoming court appearance on Oct. 9. The Clark County District Attorney's Office has been contacted for further information on the case.