Katie 
New Bedford, Massachusetts: A felony warrant has been issued for the arrest of 46-year-old Leon Mejia-Vincente, a citizen of Guatemala who was living in New Bedford, for the suspected rape and sexual abuse of a child and police are now seeking the public's assistance in locating him and his two children, ages 17 and 5.
The children have been identified as 17-year-old Petronila Mejia-Saquic, also known as Marta Saquic, and 5-year-old Hector Mejia-Saquic.
According to The Standard-Times, the warrant was issued on June 8, 2022 out of the New Bedford District Court and charged Mejia-Vincente with multiple counts of rape and sexual abuse of a child.
Since that date, Mejia-Vincente and his 5-year-old son have not been seen. His 17-year-old daughter was reportedly last seen on Tuesday, June 14 when she attended her first-period class.
"The Suspect is a violent fugitive who is on the run and his children are considered endangered," the statement released by the New Bedford District Attorney's office stated.
The statement further indicates that Mejia-Vincente has strong ties to the Guatemalan community and that neither he, nor his children speak English.
Law Enforcement encourages anyone with information about the whereabouts of Mejia-Vincente or his children to contact the Massachusetts State Police's 24-hour Fugitive Hotline at (800) KAPTURE (527-8873) or the New Bedford Police at (508) 991-6350.
Numerous law enforcement agencies are "on the hunt for this defendant and every available means is being brought to bear to locate him" Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn told NECN. "The longer time goes by it just is more concerning that, you know, the children could be in jeopardy."
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