Carlos Nava, a 49-year-old Mexican national living illegally in the U.S., has backed out of a plea deal that could have lightened his punishment for serious sexual assault charges. Now, prosecutors in Las Vegas are bringing back multiple counts against him, setting up a full trial for what they say are violent attacks on up to 17 women in Nevada over nearly 20 years.
Nava has a long history of dodging deportation. Immigration and Customs Enforcement reports show he got sent back to Mexico at least eight times since 2002, even after arrests for battery and domestic violence. His most recent deportation happened in 2020, but he slipped back into the country illegally.
Back in July, Nava agreed to an Alford plea on one felony charge of sexual assault involving a deadly weapon. This type of plea lets someone accept a conviction without admitting guilt, as long as the evidence looks strong enough. That deal would have dropped eight other charges against him. But on September 25—the very day he was due for sentencing—Nava pulled out of it. As a result, the full slate of accusations is back on the table.
Clark County Deputy District Attorney Julia Barker told the court that Nava could be linked to as many as 17 sexual assaults. Investigators have identified six victims so far, but 11 more cases are unsolved, including attacks on two minors. DNA evidence plays a big role here. Barker pointed out, “It’s really hard for someone to maintain ‘I didn’t do this’ when his sperm is in places that indicate he probably did.”
Police searches turned up even more chilling details. Officers found 17 pairs of women’s underwear, neatly folded and bundled with a rubber band inside a backpack that also contained latex gloves. Prosecutors believe Nava kept these items as trophies from his crimes.
Court records show Nava’s troubles with the law go back to at least 2010. In 2022, after one reported assault, Las Vegas police spotted him driving a white Ford pickup truck and started hunting for more possible victims from that era.
For now, Nava sits in the Clark County Detention Center. His next court date is October 9, when judges will likely set a new trial timeline. The Clark County District Attorney’s Office hasn’t commented further yet, but the case highlights ongoing concerns about serial rapists and repeat illegal border crossings in Nevada.
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