Yellowhammer Times

A Mexican national living in the U.S. illegally was arrested in Elmore County on Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, for allegedly attempting to kidnap a 17-year-old girl. 

The suspect, Yordy Noe Centeno-Melchor, is accused of attempting to lure the teenager into his vehicle, which led to his arrest by the Elmore County Sheriff's Office.

According to 1819 News, Assistant District Attorney Josh Cochran, representing the 19th Judicial Circuit, has filed a motion to keep Centeno-Melchor in custody until his trial. 

Cochran raised concerns that transferring Centeno-Melchor to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody could result in his deportation before the trial concludes. He emphasized the importance of ensuring the defendant faces justice in Elmore County.

Centeno-Melchor has a documented history of illegal reentry into the United States. ICE records indicate he has been deported six times and has two federal convictions for illegal reentry. 

Following his most recent arrest, ICE placed an immigration detainer on him, requesting that authorities notify federal officials before his release.

Centeno-Melchor's immigration history includes multiple arrests. In May 2013, he was apprehended near Kingsville, Texas, and voluntarily returned to Mexico. 

He was deported again in 2016 after an immigration judge in El Paso issued a final removal order. Centeno-Melchor was later arrested several times near the California and Texas borders, resulting in additional deportations and federal convictions.

Centeno-Melchor’s bond has been set at $100,000, and he remains in the Elmore County Jail while the case progresses.