Mother Charged With Child Trafficking Of Daughter; Boyfriend Charged With First Degree Sexual Assault

Fond du Lac, WI – District Attorney Eric J. Toney announced today that Elia Antonio has been charged with Trafficking of a Child, Failure to Protect a Child, and bail jumping. Her boyfriend, Juan Carlos Rocha Mejia, faces charges of First Degree Sexual Assault, Child Enticement, Strangulation/Suffocation, and False Imprisonment. The charges stem from allegations made on May 18, 2024. Both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

At their initial court appearance today, Judge Douglas Edelstein set cash bonds at $1 million each. The investigation has revealed that both defendants are in the United States illegally, and ICE detainers have been placed on them. A preliminary hearing for both is scheduled for June 7, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.

District Attorney Toney emphasized the severity of the situation: “Sadly, human trafficking exists all over the world, including Fond du Lac County. We will always stand with law enforcement to protect our community from monsters that prey on children and ensure they’re held accountable in the justice system. Help is available with the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888 or text ‘INFO’ to 233733. Local resources are available with ASTOP’s 24-hour crisis line: 920-926-5395.”

The investigation is being led by the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office, and it remains ongoing. Additional charges may be filed at a later date. Authorities are asking anyone with information or background on Elia Antonio or Juan Carlos Rocha Mejia to contact the Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office tip line at 920-406-4777.

District Attorney Eric Toney and Assistant District Attorney Kristin Menzl are prosecuting the cases.

This case highlights the importance of vigilance and community cooperation in combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable individuals.

Criminal Complaints

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