An armed security guard at a federal building in Manhattan sexually assaulted a man seeking asylum last May, leading to his arrest and guilty plea in federal court. Jimmy Solano-Arias offered to help the man with his asylum paperwork, but instead led him to a locked office and demanded oral sex. When the victim resisted, Solano-Arias threatened him with his firearm. The victim reported the assault, and Solano-Arias was arrested and charged with making false statements to FBI agents.
Solano-Arias pleaded guilty to the charges and faces around five years in prison when he is sentenced in July. The plea deal allowed for a conviction without the victim having to testify. Solano-Arias had worked for a private security company at the federal building, which houses offices for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the FBI, and the US Attorney’s Office. The US Attorney for the Southern District condemned Solano-Arias’ actions, stating that he had abused his position of authority to engage in sexual abuse.
The case against Solano-Arias could have resulted in a longer sentence if it had gone to trial, but the plea deal avoided the need for the victim to testify in court. Solano-Arias admitted to making false statements to law enforcement agents during the investigation. Despite being out on bail, he faces a significant prison term for his actions. The victim immediately reported the assault, leading to swift action and Solano-Arias’ arrest.
The incident occurred at 26 Federal Plaza, a high-security federal building in Manhattan, where Solano-Arias worked as a security guard. The victim was seeking asylum protection and had trusted Solano-Arias to assist with paperwork. Instead, he was sexually assaulted and threatened by the armed guard. Solano-Arias’ actions violated the trust and privileges given to him as a security officer at a federal building.
US Attorney Damian Williams stated that Solano-Arias had exploited his position of authority to sexually abuse a vulnerable individual seeking asylum in the United States. The case highlights the importance of holding individuals in positions of power accountable for their actions and ensuring the safety and protection of those they are entrusted to serve. Solano-Arias’ guilt and pending prison sentence serve as a warning to others who may consider abusing their authority in a similar manner.
