Illegal Immigrant Charged With Child Rape on Martha's Vineyard Previously Convicted Of Strangulation In Massachusetts But Set Free

An illegal immigrant accused of repeatedly raping a child on Martha’s Vineyard slipped through the cracks of the U.S. immigration system, shielded by sanctuary policies despite a criminal history.

A 24-year-old Brazilian national, Warley Neto, is accused of repeatedly raping a child on Martha’s Vineyard, a summer getaway known for attracting elites like former President Obama and Oprah Winfrey.

Neto first crossed the U.S.-Mexico border near Paso Del Norte, Texas, in March 2018 and was released into the U.S. after receiving a Notice to Appear before an immigration judge. Despite a history of criminal charges, including a conviction for strangulation and assault in 2023, Massachusetts' sanctuary policies allowed Neto to avoid detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after his initial conviction.

In January, Neto was arrested by the Tisbury Police Department for five counts of child rape and enticing a minor under 16. Following his indictment in Dukes County Superior Court, Neto was finally transferred to ICE custody after the local sheriff's office honored the detainer request.