Reagan T. Fondren Acting United States Attorney for the Western District Of Tennessee | U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee
Arrest warrants have been issued for Jose Inocencio Fraire Chavez, 39, in connection with incidents in Obion County, Tennessee. Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., Interim United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the issuance of these warrants.
Chavez faces charges including being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, willful failure to comply with removal procedures under Title 8 U.S.C. § 1253(b), and flight to avoid prosecution.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Marshals Service, and United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement are collaborating with the Union City Police Department and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to locate Chavez and his child. They have not been seen in Union City since May 2, 2025.
“Since issuing a statewide Endangered Child Alert on May 5th, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has remained committed to working alongside our local, state, and federal partners to bring Tah Yah Yona Chavez home safely,” said TBI Director David Rausch. “At the heart of this investigation is an innocent child who deserves to be safely reunited with her family in West Tennessee. We are truly grateful for the invaluable teamwork of our law enforcement partners in these efforts.”
Assistant United States Attorney Hillary Lawler Parham is prosecuting this case.
It is important to note that charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are accusations of criminal conduct and not evidence. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt through due process. If convicted, sentencing will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to the case.
For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow updates from the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or X at @WDTNNews.
