Fugitive Sex Abuse Suspect Returned to Santa Cruz County

68-year-old Mario Vicente Montano arrested in Mexico and extradited to face charges

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A 68-year-old Rio Rico, Arizona man accused of child exploitation and abuse who went missing in 2018 was arrested in Mexico and extradited back to the United States on Friday to face charges in Santa Cruz County.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to track down and apprehend fugitives accused of serious crimes, especially those involving the exploitation of minors. It also demonstrates the challenges in locating suspects who flee across international borders.

The details

Mario Vicente Montano was arrested in Mexico and flown back to Arizona on Friday to appear before a judge in Nogales Justice Court. He is facing charges related to alleged child exploitation and abuse incidents that occurred prior to him going missing in 2018.

  • Montano was arrested in Mexico and extradited back to the U.S. on Friday, February 10, 2026.
  • Montano made his initial court appearance on Monday, February 13, 2026 in Nogales Justice Court.

The players

Mario Vicente Montano

A 68-year-old man from Rio Rico, Arizona who was accused of child exploitation and abuse and went missing in 2018, before being arrested in Mexico and extradited back to the U.S. to face charges.

Adriana Olaiz

The justice of the peace presiding over Montano's initial court appearance in Nogales Justice Court.

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What’s next

Montano will remain in custody as his case proceeds through the criminal justice system in Santa Cruz County.

The takeaway

This case demonstrates the persistence of law enforcement in tracking down and apprehending fugitives accused of serious crimes, even when they attempt to evade justice by fleeing across international borders.