U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with the support of multiple law enforcement agencies, apprehended a Hungarian national at Newark Liberty International Airport on March 13. The individual, Mihaly Bodner, was wanted for allegedly raping a child.
Bodner was arrested under a Hornell City Court warrant for first-degree statutory rape of a child under 13 years old by ICE Homeland Security Investigations Newark.
"When our team at Newark’s airport received a call from HSI Buffalo that the suspect was believed to be attempting to flee the United States, they immediately coordinated a search for the individual," said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Newark Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel. "I commend the efficiency of the subject matter experts who utilized their skills and advanced technology to locate the target without incident. Their actions proved how the partnership of law enforcement agencies is the most valuable resource in leading investigations and achieving mission success."
Bodner admitted he was trying to leave the country on an outbound international flight that day. He will face prosecution by the Steuben County District Attorney’s Office in New York.
"This is the way law enforcement is supposed to work – together," said Steuben County District Attorney Brooks Baker. "Using experience and expertise to maximize all available resources, city, county and federal agencies were able to take a child predator off the streets to face justice."
Sgt. Tom Aini from Hornell County Police Department in New York played a key role in confirming Bodner's identity and collaborating with other agencies to prevent his departure from the U.S.
The Steuben County DA stated that Bodner could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted.
It should be noted that these charges are accusations, and Bodner is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
