Man accused of 2018 felony rape charges caught in Spain, to be extradited to Utah
Carlos Espino Farfan, 36, is returning to Utah after he was caught by immigration authorities in Spain, according to the Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office. District Attorney Sim Gill announced the planned extradition on Thursday, March 13, seven years after the charges were filed.
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In 2018, Utah authorities filed a warrant for Farfan's arrest after a 10-year-old victim reported the alleged sexual assault to police. Farfan was charged with four counts of rape of a child and one count of sodomy upon a child, all first-degree felonies.
The warrant stated he was a flight risk as he had a Peruvian passport, and authorities believe he fled to Peru immediately after being accused before traveling to Spain.
In January 2024, Farfan requested asylum from Spanish authorities and was taken into custody shortly after. Now, nearly exactly a year later, Spain granted Salt Lake County's extradition request and turned Farfan over to U.S. authorities.
Farfan is being transported by the U.S. Department of Justice and is expected to arrive at a local jail within the day.
'Although justice was delayed for this young victim-survivor, it will not be denied,' Gill said. 'We appreciate the West Valley City Police Department for their diligent pursuit of the defendant over the last seven years. I am proud of the work our prosecutors did in coordination with local and federal authorities to ensure the defendant could be brought back to Utah to be held accountable for his alleged crimes.'
Chief Colleen Jacobs of the West Valley City Police Department echoed Gill's statement, saying the detectives and officers' 'relentless pursuit of justice' shows their commitment to the victim.
'I am grateful to see this day come,' she said. 'Their hard work and tenacity reflect the highest standards of law enforcement and the deep respect they have for those they serve.'
Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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