U.S. Marshals arrest Ohio fugitive accused of juvenile rape during coordinated operation in Massachusetts. Credit: GoodIdeas - stock.adobe.com
Ohio Fugitive Arrested for Rape of Juvenile in Massachusetts
Webster Portalatin-Castro, 37, was wanted by the Cleveland Police Department after a warrant was issued on June 3, 2025, by the Cleveland Municipal Court for the rape of a person under 18.
Authorities suspected Portalatin-Castro had left Ohio, prompting involvement from the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF).
The NOVFTF collaborated with the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force in Massachusetts, resulting in Portalatin-Castro’s arrest on July 31 in Lawrence, Massachusetts.
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The operation was carried out with assistance from the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section, Lawrence Police Department, Lowell Police Department, and the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office.
Multi-Jurisdictional Operation Led to Swift Arrest
According to the U.S. Marshals Service, the arrest was the result of coordinated intelligence sharing and field operations across state lines.
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Portalatin-Castro was charged as a fugitive from justice and is being held in Massachusetts pending extradition to Ohio, where he will face formal charges. Officials did not release details about the victim or the alleged incident due to the juvenile’s age and the nature of the offense.
Suspect Was Illegally Present in United States, ICE Confirms
An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) statement confirmed that Portalatin-Castro entered the United States unlawfully in 2023. He had no legal immigration status at the time of his arrest and may face immigration proceedings after the criminal case is resolved.
Public Urged to Report Information on Fugitives
The public, according to The U.S. Marshals Service, are encouraged to report any information regarding fugitives through its 24-hour tip line at 1-877-WANTED2 or via the USMS Tips App.
The agency said it remains committed to capturing violent offenders and bringing them to justice.
