Federal authorities are searching for Jose Inocencio Fraire Chavez, a 39-year-old man facing multiple charges including possession of a firearm by an illegal alien and avoiding prosecution, following the disappearance of his child in Union City, Tennessee, as detailed by an announcement from Interim U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy, Jr. for the Western District of Tennessee. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Marshals Service, and United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement are part of the collaborative effort, aiding the Union City Police Department and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation in the case which has evolved since the child was last seen on May 2.
Officials have been on high alert since the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation issued a statewide Endangered Child Alert on May 5, and the combined effort from various law enforcement agencies aims to secure the safe return of the child identified as Tah Yah Yona Chavez, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office statement, this case has drawn concern from across the local community and beyond as the search intensifies with each passing day. "At the heart of this investigation is an innocent child who deserves to be safely reunited with her family in West Tennessee," TBI Director David Rausch said, signaling the urgency and gravity centered around the well-being of the missing child.
The U.S. Attorney's Office has clarified that Chavez is currently only facing allegations, reminding the public that these are not evidence of guilt and that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty through a fair trial, which would take into account factors unique to the case including any prior criminal records and the specifics of the violations; Assistant United States Attorney Hillary Lawler Parham is responsible for prosecuting this case.
Law enforcement agencies are still working together to find Chavez and his child. The case highlights broader issues like immigration, gun possession, and removal procedures. All agencies involved are sharing information and resources to help solve the case, showing their urgency and commitment, while also reflecting the challenges of missing child cases that span multiple jurisdictions.
