Reported Greencastle threats lead to Brazil arrest

Thursday, August 30, 2018
Erick Pedraza

BRAZIL -- A convoluted investigation that began in Greencastle when a “disgruntled employee” reportedly harassed a female co-worker at a local industry has led to the arrest of a 39-year-old Seelyville man who has reportedly been residing illegally in this country the past few years.

The suspect, whose apparent legal name is Erick Pedraza, reportedly had been using the alias Jose Figueroa while working in Greencastle, where the Vigo County man allegedly sent disturbing texts and images to a female co-worker.

Authorities said those messages included mentions of human mutilation. He is also said to have sent the woman a message noting,“the easiest thing is to take the life of another person and disappear.”

The case has reportedly evolved over the past week after Greencastle authorities contacted the Brazil Police Department, Brazil Assistant Chief Dennis Archer told The Brazil Times. Authorities were reportedly concerned the suspect was “angry, armed and dangerous,” Archer said.

In addition to the harassment issues, authorities have uncovered a video showing the smiling suspect firing a handgun out of a moving car. Police also received information about potential drug-trafficking involvement by Pedraza, who was tracked to his Seelyville address and arrested after his real identity was determined.

Authorities believe Pedraza has possessed at least two fake drivers’ licenses and has been living in the United States illegally for several years. He also reportedly has multiple active warrants out of Daviess County, including charges for assault and pointing a firearm.

Pedraza, who has been deported twice previously according to information out of Daviess County, also has been known as Juan Ignacio Ortiz and Eric Hernandez.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials have been contacted about the suspect, who is incarcerated at the Clay County Justice Center, where he is being held on the outstanding Daviess County warrants.

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