A 32-year-old Panamanian citizen accused of sexually assaulting multiple boys while helping with a youth baseball program in Franklin has been captured in the Dominican Republic after allegedly fleeing the country to dodge Tennessee authorities. Fernando Gonzalez Ramirez was taken into custody on Monday and now sits in federal custody awaiting extradition back to Tennessee, where he faces state sexual assault charges in Williamson County.
According to WZTV, Ramirez was flown to New Jersey Tuesday night and is currently awaiting extradition back to Tennessee, where he is facing state charges in Williamson County on charges of sexual assault. The alleged assaults occurred between 2023 and 2024 while Ramirez was helping with a youth baseball program in Franklin, according to the station.
Two boys came forward with allegations that Ramirez assaulted them, as reported by WKRN. The station reports that Gonzalez, who is from Panama, is believed to have fled Tennessee once he became aware that law enforcement was closing in.
A Chase Across Two Continents
Tracking Ramirez down was no simple task for investigators. Per the same WKRN report, U.S. Marshals traced his movements through Mexico, Japan and Panama before finally determining Monday that he was hiding in the Dominican Republic, where he was ultimately taken into custody.
The station's report does not detail how Ramirez evaded capture across that span of countries, and the supplied evidence does not include any formal statement from the U.S. Marshals Service or Dominican authorities confirming the circumstances of the arrest. What is clear, per the WZTV report, is that law enforcement authorities believe Gonzalez may have additional victims, though the full scope of the investigation remains unclear.
Tennessee Case Still Unfolding
Williamson County prosecutors have not released details on the specific charges, counts, or any identifying information about the alleged victims, and no arrest affidavit, indictment or warrant was made available alongside these reports. The allegations against Ramirez remain just that — allegations — as the case now moves toward extradition proceedings and, eventually, a Tennessee courtroom.
Investigators say the case remains open as they continue working to determine whether additional victims may come forward. Anyone with information about Gonzalez Ramirez is urged to contact the U.S. Marshals Service at 1-877-WANTED2 or submit tips to [email protected].
