Man Wanted for Rape in Mexico Arrested in West Texas Traffic Stop

MENTONE, Texas — A man wanted by authorities in Mexico on a rape charge was arrested following a traffic stop in Loving County, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

A DPS trooper stopped a red Chevrolet pickup around 7:50 a.m. April 24 on County Road 300 for speeding. During the stop, the trooper detected the odor of marijuana and conducted a search of the vehicle.

Authorities said the search led to the discovery of marijuana and a firearm. Further investigation identified the driver as 23-year-old Pedro Alberto Badillo-Rivera, who officials said is in the United States without legal status and is wanted by Mexican authorities for rape.

Badillo Rivera was arrested without incident and booked into the Winkler County Detention Center.

Officials said the case has been turned over to Homeland Security Investigations and remains under investigation.