Alleged NJ Sex Offender Arrested in New Mexico

Jon Shireman, Getty Images

Authorities say an alleged sex offender wanted in New Jersey has been arrested in New Mexico.

U.S. Border Patrol officials say 51-year-old Jose Francisco Jimenez will be extradited to New Jersey to face prosecution.

Agents from the Las Cruces Station were conducting immigration inspections at the Interstate 10 checkpoint on Jan. 30.

While inspecting a commercial bus, agents encountered a man who was unable to produce any immigration documents and later admitted to being in the United States illegally.

A fingerprint identification database showed the Jimenez, of Mexico, was wanted on a warrant out of the Summit, N.J., for alleged sexual assault on a boy under age 12.

Jimenez is detained at the Dona Ana County Detention Center pending extradition. It was unclear Friday whether he has legal representation yet.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)