FRANKLIN, Tenn. — A 32-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting multiple boys while helping operate a youth baseball program in Franklin, Tennessee, has been arrested in the Dominican Republic following an international manhunt.
Fernando Gonzalez Ramirez, 32, a Panamanian citizen, was taken into custody Monday by authorities in the Dominican Republic after U.S. Marshals Service investigators tracked his movements across several countries.
Gonzalez Ramirez faces state charges in Williamson County stemming from allegations that he sexually assaulted multiple boys while involved with a youth baseball program between 2023 and 2024.
According to federal authorities, the investigation began after two boys came forward with allegations that Gonzalez Ramirez had sexually assaulted them.
Investigators believe Gonzalez Ramirez fled Tennessee after learning that law enforcement was investigating the allegations.
Fugitive Traveled Through Multiple Countries Before Arrest
U.S. Marshals investigators developed information indicating that Gonzalez Ramirez had traveled to Mexico, Japan and Panama after leaving Tennessee.
On Monday, authorities learned that he was in the Dominican Republic.
Investigators forwarded the information to the U.S. Marshals Service Foreign Field Office in the Dominican Republic through the agency’s Office of International Operations.
Within hours, Gonzalez Ramirez was located and taken into custody.
He was flown to New Jersey on Tuesday evening and is awaiting extradition to Tennessee, where he will face the pending charges in Williamson County.
Investigators Believe There May Be Additional Victims
The Franklin Police Department is leading the investigation, which remains ongoing.
Authorities believe Gonzalez Ramirez may have additional victims who have not yet come forward.
The case is being prosecuted by the Office of Stacey B. Edmonson, district attorney general for Tennessee’s 21st Judicial District.
The U.S. Marshals Service assisted in locating and apprehending Gonzalez Ramirez as part of its work supporting local, state and international law enforcement agencies in investigations involving sex offenses.
Anyone with information about Gonzalez Ramirez or possible additional victims is urged to contact the U.S. Marshals Service at 1-877-WANTED2 (1-877-926-8332) or email usmstips@usdoj.gov.
