DOYLESTOWN, PA (June 4, 2025) – The Bucks County Sheriff’s Office today announced the successful apprehension and extradition from New York City of Elias Ortega, 40. Ortega, who is present in the country without legal authorization, was taken into custody on warrants stemming from charges of alleged domestic assault and sexual assault of a minor.

In October 2016, Ortega was arrested and arraigned for an alleged domestic assault. After posting bail, he faced further charges in December 2016 for the alleged sexual assault of a minor. A warrant was issued for his arrest, but Ortega fled before he could be apprehended.

The nearly decade-long search for Ortega concluded in May 2025, when he was involved in a traffic violation with the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in Brooklyn. Upon providing his name, NYPD officers ran his information through their system and discovered the outstanding warrants from Bucks County. He was taken into custody of the Bucks County Sheriff's Office and extradited on May 27. On May 28, Ortega was arraigned by Judge Gallagher and is currently being held on $2 million bail at the Bucks County Correctional Facility.

Sheriff Fred Harran lauded the collaborative efforts that led to Ortega's capture.

"We are committed to ensuring due process for all while guaranteeing victims of crime receive their justice," said Sheriff Harran. "This apprehension is a testament to the relentless dedication of our law enforcement partners and the critical importance of intradepartmental police work across jurisdictions."

Sheriff Harran also highlighted the systemic challenges that allowed Ortega to evade justice and commit further crimes.

"In 2016, a significant lack of programs prevented law enforcement from fully understanding his immigration status after his initial alleged crime and appropriately collaborating with federal partners for holding, prosecuting, and ultimately deporting him," Sheriff Harran stated. "Because of this, Mr. Ortega was able to allegedly commit another heinous crime in the very same community—this time, a sex crime against a 14-year-old girl. We need to do everything we can to prevent crime. That means not allowing individuals to repeat crime after coming in contact with the justice system—especially when they shouldn't be here to begin with."

The Bucks County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of its residents through diligent law enforcement and collaborative efforts with local, state, and federal agencies.

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About the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office: Led by Sheriff Frederick A. Harran, the Bucks County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) is a vital law enforcement agency serving the over 630,000 residents of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Sheriff Harran directs a team of 95 professionals, including 76 sworn deputies, in providing essential services such as court security, warrant execution, civil process, Sheriff's sales, and gun permit administration. The BCSO is committed to proactive community engagement and strong partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies. The office operates 24/7 to ensure public safety and uphold justice. For more information, visit buckscounty.gov/sheriff