WBFF — A man convicted of rape while in the country illegally is back in the US and on the run, according to the US Marshals Service.

Jose Pavon-Fermin, 39, is wanted on federal charges including illegal re-entry, and failure to register as a sex offender.

January 2023 - Norwalk, Connecticut.

Police take a man into custody for disturbing the peace.

But little did officers know this misdemeanor crime would lead to the discovery of a convicted rapist who once again was in the United States illegally.

Investigators identified the man as Pavon-Fermin.

“This individual has shown a propensity for violence,” said Al Marecsa, Deputy Marshal with the US Marshals Service.

The US Marshals Service taking us back to the original crime.

July 2016 - Norwalk, Connecticut.

Investigators say Pavon-Fermin followed a woman onto a public bus, and once the two got off at the same stop lured her into his apartment where she says he raped her.

Investigators say the woman reported the rape and identified Pavon-Fermin as her attacker.

Four months later he was arrested.

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“Ultimately he was found guilty and sentenced to jail time,” said Maresca.

According to court records, Pavon-Fermin was sentenced to five years in prison, and 10 years probation.

After serving his sentence, Pavon-Fermin was released to Immigration and Customs Enforcement or ICE, and in 2021 was deported to Honduras.

But just a year and a half later investigators said Pavon-Fermin somehow re-entered the US, committed another crime in the very same city and then was mistakenly released before ICE could respond and take custody of him.

Pavon-Fermin went back on the run, and hasn’t been seen since.

“He knows he’s wanted for illegal reentry, he understands he has an obligation to register as a sex offender, so he fled CT,” said Maresca.

Now, more than a year later, the US Marshals Service has joined the search.

Deputy Marshal Maresca spoke to the challenges in tracking down an undocumented criminal.

“There are multiple barriers to solving crimes whenever the offender is here illegally. It's going to be extremely hard to track them. You have family members who understand these are dangerous individuals. Frequently they too fear deportation and so they are not willing to approach law enforcement.”

According to Maresca, intel has led investigators to Maryland, where US Marshals believe Pavon-Fermin is hiding out.

“Based upon his contacts in the community we have every reason to believe he’s staying somewhere between Baltimore and DC,” said Maresca.

“How concerning is this?” questioned Alexa Ashwell.

“It's ultimately very concerning. This individual has shown a propensity for violence. He’s shown a complete disregard for the law and knows he’s subject to deportation. We have every indication that he will continue to commit crimes .”

Information regarding Pavon-Fermin’s whereabouts can be reported anonymously to agents at 202-819-5058.