A U.S. Air Force veteran facing charges of possessing sexually explicit images of a child has reportedly fled to Russia and joined the country's army. The 28-year-old former elected official from Massachusetts, Wilmer Puello-Mota, failed to appear in court in Rhode Island in early January, where he was expected to plead guilty to the charges.
Puello-Mota's lawyer revealed that the veteran informed him of joining the Russian army, allegedly to avoid registering as a sex offender due to the criminal case. Puello-Mota had a background in the U.S. Air Force and the Massachusetts Air National Guard before his legal troubles.
In 2020, Puello-Mota was arrested in Rhode Island after police found sexually explicit images of a minor on his phone. He was also charged with attempting to deceive prosecutors and his superiors about the case. A plea deal had been reached for an 18-month prison sentence before his disappearance.
Recent videos circulating on Russian social media show a man resembling Puello-Mota in a military uniform, expressing support for Russia's actions in Ukraine. The authenticity of these videos has not been confirmed, but they suggest Puello-Mota's involvement in the conflict.
The U.S. State Department acknowledged reports of Puello-Mota's relocation to Russia but stated they had no contact with him. The most recent video depicts Puello-Mota entering a military recruitment center in Khanty-Mansiysk, Siberia, and signing documents, indicating his affiliation with the Russian Defense Ministry.
Experts view Puello-Mota's situation as a propaganda victory for Russia, showcasing an American citizen aligning with the Russian military. His former colleagues describe him as a decent person, expressing shock at his apparent transformation.
Under Rhode Island law, Puello-Mota's trial cannot proceed without his presence, leaving his legal status uncertain amidst his new allegiance to the Russian army.
