Juan Ramon Juarez-Talamantes, 29, is charged with three counts of statutory rape in Buncombe County, North Carolina, and is being held on an ICE detainer and without bond. Two counts were filed in November involving a victim aged 13–15, and a third charge was added last month. Reports to local law enforcement date to July 2024 and September 2025; investigators obtained warrants for his Snapchat account, address and DNA after alleged communications with victims. Authorities say one alleged victim reported being kissed, slapped and then assaulted at the suspect's home; the charges are allegations pending prosecution.
Buncombe County Man Held on ICE Detainer Charged With Three Counts of Statutory Rape
ICE agents conduct an enforcement operation in the U.S. interior June 2, 2022.(Fox News)
Juan Ramon Juarez-Talamantes, 29, who is being held on an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer, has been charged with three counts of statutory rape in Buncombe County, North Carolina, according to court records and a sheriff's office release.
Authorities say two counts were filed in November involving a victim aged between 13 and 15, and a third count was added last month. Online arrest records show Juarez-Talamantes is being held without bond and remains subject to the ICE detainer.
Investigation and Allegations
Investigators said reports of child sexual assault were first made to the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office in July 2024 and later to the Asheville Police Department in September 2025. Local reporting indicates the suspect communicated with the alleged victims via Snapchat, which led the sheriff’s office to obtain a search warrant for his Snapchat handle, his address and his DNA.
According to the Asheville Citizen-Times and the sheriff's office release, one alleged victim told police that after meeting Juarez-Talamantes in his car, they went to his home where the suspect kissed the child and attempted to "take it further." When the child refused, the victim alleges the suspect slapped and then sexually assaulted them. The suspect's actions are described as alleged; no conviction has been reported.
"We are very thankful for the partnership with the Asheville Police Department during this case and the tedious work and collaboration of the investigators to reach this result," Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office District 2 Captain Chris Stockton said in a statement. "These cases demonstrate the power community partnerships play in resolving problems for citizens of Buncombe County. Our hearts go out to those whose lives have been forever changed by these events and hope that the effort of these passionate investigators opens a door to healing."
Fox News Digital reported that it has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for comment. Prosecutors and law enforcement have not reported any conviction; the charges remain allegations until proven in court.
Note on Reporting: The victim's age and the nature of the allegations involve minors; this article uses careful, factual language and refers to the suspect's actions as alleged pending legal proceedings.
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