An armed security guard at a federal building in Manhattan, which houses offices for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the FBI, has pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a man seeking asylum protection. Jimmy Solano-Arias, 42, admitted his guilt as part of a plea deal reached in Manhattan federal court. The incident occurred last May when Solano-Arias, after offering assistance with the victim’s asylum paperwork, led him to a locked second-floor office at 26 Federal Plaza.
According to court papers, Solano-Arias demanded oral sex from the victim, who resisted. In a disturbing turn of events, Solano-Arias then placed his hand on his holstered firearm, instilling fear in the victim. The victim promptly reported the sexual assault to law enforcement, leading to Solano-Arias’ arrest the following day. During the investigation, Solano-Arias lied to FBI agents, falsely claiming that the sexual act was consensual.
Solano-Arias, a Bronx resident, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to one count of making false statements to federal law enforcement agents. Sentencing is scheduled for July, with guidelines suggesting a prison term of approximately five years. However, the final decision rests with the judge. The plea deal allows for a conviction without requiring the victim to testify, sparing them from further trauma.
Solano-Arias had been employed by a private security company responsible for guarding the federal building, located across the street from the federal courthouse in downtown Manhattan. The building currently houses offices for ICE, the FBI, and the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District, the same office prosecuting Solano-Arias.
US Attorney Damian Williams expressed his condemnation of Solano-Arias’ actions, stating, “Jimmy Solano-Arias abused the trust and privileges bestowed on him as an armed security officer at a federal building.” Williams further added, “Instead of working to keep the many federal employees and visitors at 26 Federal Plaza safe, Solano-Arias exploited his position of authority to sexually abuse an individual seeking asylum protection in the United States.”
