Convicted child rapist who skipped court during lunch break captured

Police officers arrested a man who allegedly disappeared during a lunch break while on trial on charges of sexual assault against a child.

Antonio Gonzales, 36, was arrested on an outstanding bench warrant on March 5, 2019. Gonzales allegedly disappeared on February 13, 2019 after the prosecution rested its case on the same day it presented “strong evidence of his guilt,” law enforcement officials said.

Gonzales, who had posted bond, was not in custody for his trial and had appeared to every setting, officials said.

After he failed to show up, the trial proceeded in Gonzales’ absence and he was subsequently found guilty of one count of Criminal Sexual Penetration of a Minor Under 13 and four counts of Criminal Sexual Contact of a Minor.

Authorities said Gonzales sexually abused the child for more than a year in the towns of La Luz and Los Lunas, New Mexico.

During the investigation, Gonzales’ electronics were seized as part of the investigation and a forensic investigator allegedly found several incriminating internet searches and a video allegedly depicting Gonzales setting up a camera in the bathroom to capture the minor victim undressing.

Gonzales faces up to 78 years in prison at a sentencing hearing expected later this year.