El Paso Standard

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in collaboration with multiple law enforcement agencies, apprehended a Hungarian national at Newark Liberty International Airport on March 13. The individual was wanted for allegedly raping a child.

Mihaly Bodner was arrested under a Hornell City Court warrant for first-degree statutory rape of a child under 13 years of age by ICE Homeland Security Investigations Newark.

"When our team at Newark's airport received a call from HSI Buffalo that the suspect was believed to be attempting to flee the United States, they immediately coordinated a search for the individual," said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Newark Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel. "I commend the efficiency of the subject matter experts who utilized their skills and advanced technology to locate the target without incident. Their actions proved how the partnership of law enforcement agencies is the most valuable resource in leading investigations and achieving mission success."

Bodner admitted to law enforcement that he was trying to leave the country on an outbound international flight that day. He will face prosecution by the Steuben County District Attorney’s Office, New York.

"This is the way law enforcement is supposed to work – together," stated Steuben County District Attorney Brooks Baker. "Using experience and expertise to maximize all available resources, city, county, and federal agencies were able to take a child predator off the streets to face justice."

Sgt. Tom Aini, an investigator with the Hornell County Police Department in New York, played a key role in confirming Bodner's identity and quickly engaging other law enforcement partners to assist in his arrest and prevent him from leaving the United States.

The Steuben County DA indicated that Bodner could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted.

The charges are accusations at this stage, and Bodner remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.