NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Fernando Gonzalez Ramirez, a 32-year-old Panamanian citizen, has been arrested in the Dominican Republic after being sought on charges of sexually assaulting minors in Tennessee. Authorities stated that he is now in U.S. custody and will be extradited to face charges in Williamson County.
Gonzalez is accused of assaulting multiple boys while involved with a youth baseball program in Franklin, Tennessee, during 2023 and 2024. According to the U.S. Marshals Service, the investigation into his actions began when two boys reported the assaults.
After the allegations came to light, Gonzalez fled Tennessee, prompting authorities to launch a search. Investigators tracked him across several countries, including Mexico, Japan, and Panama, before determining that he was in the Dominican Republic. Following this lead, U.S. Marshals dispatched a request to their foreign field office, which resulted in his arrest within hours.
He was transported to New Jersey on Tuesday evening and is currently awaiting extradition back to Tennessee to address the state charges against him.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials believe there may be additional, unidentified victims. Anyone with information related to Gonzalez is encouraged to contact the U.S. Marshals Service at 1-877-WANTED2 or via email at usmstips@usdoj.gov.
Authorities emphasized the importance of community awareness in sharing information that could aid in the ongoing investigation.
